The Proper Temperature for Central Heat

While At Home

• To save money and use energy wisely, utility companies and state energy regulations from Madison Gas and Electric in Madison, Wisconsin, to The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission in the state of Washington promote set temperatures for heating while at home, away from home and on vacation. They recommend a winter heating temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit when you are home, regardless of the outdoor temperature. If necessary, create a zone or “warm room” within your home where everyone gathers, such as the living room or family room, and supplement that area with a room heating unit. Use it safely and only for a few hours, such as when everyone is together after meals. This keeps you from boosting the temperature throughout the house when you need to increase it only in one area.

When Away From Home

• Most government energy agencies and state-regulated utility companies recommend setting the thermostat at 55 degrees when you are away from home. Use a portable space heater to a warm a specific room when you arrive. Another good practice is to install a programmable thermostat so you can set it to remember temperature settings for various times of day, eliminating your need to raise and lower the temperature manually.

While Asleep

• While sleeping, energy agencies and utility companies recommend keeping the thermostat set at the same temperature as when you’re away: 55 degrees. Load up on blankets and comforters to keep warm at night. You may be surprised how little time it takes to adjust to using the best temperatures.

While On Vacation

• If you will be away for an extended time, strike a balance between turning the heating system off (and risking frozen pipes) and keeping the house warm when its empty. In most cases, setting the thermostat to 55 degrees works well. Leave keys with someone you trust to raise the temperature when weather conditions warrant doing so to keep your central heating or combined heating ventilation and air-conditioning system (HVAC) system functioning properly. There are also new technology security systems with remote controls to set the thermostat via telephone.

Making the Adjustment

• Always check with your family physicians to make sure that lowered temperatures will not interfere with the health of anyone who resides in your home. If you’re safe to make the switch to recommended temperatures, ease your way into the change. Start by lowering the thermostat temperature when you’re sleeping, then lower the temperature while you’re away and when you’re at home.