What’s the best thermostat setting to stay warm and save money this winter in NC?

With winter weather arriving in North Carolina, you could be tempted to crank up your thermostat — but doing so could put a significant dent in your wallet.

Temperatures are expected to plummet to below-freezing in the next few days, The Charlotte Observer reported. Those in the Triangle can also expect frigid temperatures in the coming days, Raleigh’s National Weather Service office forecasted.

Heating costs can account for 25-50% of a home’s total energy expense, according to North Carolina Electric Cooperatives, meaning you could see a spike in your energy bill during the winter months.

As the winter weather moves in, there are ways you can save energy while staying warm at home.

What is the best thermostat setting to cut costs during winter?

You can save up to 10% annually on heating if you turn your thermostat back 7 to 10 degrees than you normally would, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

“The smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall cooling bill will be,” the department says. “You can easily save energy in the winter by setting the thermostat to around 68°F to 70°F while you’re awake and setting it lower while you’re asleep or away from home.”

Does it cost more money to set back your thermostat?

Some may worry that setting back your thermostats could end up costing more money, based on the common misconception that furnaces work harder to warm a space back up — but experts say that’s not true.

“During winter, the lower the interior temperature, the slower the heat loss. So the longer your house remains at the lower temperature, the more energy you save, because your house has lost less energy than it would have at the higher temperature.”

How can you save money during winter weather?

In addition to adjusting your thermostat, there are other ways you can save energy (and money) during winter, according to Duke Energy:

• Change air filters regularly. Dirty air filters can make your heating system work harder, which uses more energy and can increase costs.

• Leave your blinds open during sunny winter days to allow the sun’s rays to warm your house, but close them at night to help insulate your home.

• Check windows, doors and vents for air leaks. Caulking, sealing and weatherstripping leaks can save 10% to 20% in heating costs.

• Replace standard bulbs with light-emitting diodes (LED). Replacing just six of your most frequently used bulbs with LEDs can save up to $480 over the lifetime of the bulbs.

• Operate ceiling fans in a clockwise direction in the winter, which pushes warm air back down into the room, and turn fans off when you leave the room.

• Set your water heater to 120 degrees or less. Water heating is typically the second biggest user of energy in your home.

Reporter Chyna Blackmon contributed to this story.

This story was originally published December 12, 2024 at 11:43 AM with the headline "What’s the best thermostat setting to stay warm and save money this winter in NC?."

Evan Moore

The Charlotte Observer

Evan Moore is a service journalism reporter for the Charlotte Observer. He grew up in Denver, North Carolina, where he previously worked as a reporter for the Denver Citizen, and is a UNC Charlotte graduate.