What Temperature To Keep House In Winter

Okay, so winter's here (ugh, already?). And the age-old question pops up again: what temperature should we actually keep our houses at? I mean, do we want to be shivering under blankets, or sweating in t-shirts while the heating bill skyrockets? Tough choices, right?

Let's be real, there's no single magic number. It’s all about finding that sweet spot between comfort and, you know, not bankrupting ourselves. But I can give you some guidelines, and maybe we can laugh about how dramatic our thermostats get in the process.

The Official (Sort Of) Recommendations

The experts – you know, those people who seem to know everything (do they, though?) – often suggest around 68°F (20°C) when you're home and awake. Sounds reasonable, doesn't it? Not too hot, not too cold… just right. Like Goldilocks and her porridge, except instead of porridge, it's the ambient temperature of your living room.

But wait! There's more! When you're asleep or away, you can crank it down a bit. Aim for something like 60-62°F (15-17°C). Why? Because saving money, obviously! Your body temperature dips a bit when you sleep anyway, so you probably won't even notice… especially if you have a good duvet (or three).

And speaking of saving money, did you know that for every degree you lower the thermostat for eight hours, you can save around 1% on your heating bill? Okay, okay, 1% doesn't sound like much. But it adds up over the whole winter! Think of all the lattes you could buy!

The "Real Life" Factors

Okay, so the "official" numbers are out there. But let's get down to what actually matters: YOU! Your comfort. Your preferences. Your weird roommate who thinks 75°F is "perfectly reasonable." (We all have one, don't we?).

Think about these things:

• Your Insulation: Is your house drafty? Do you have single-pane windows from the Stone Age? If so, you might need to bump up the thermostat a bit to compensate.


• Your Clothing: Are you a shorts-and-t-shirt-in-winter kind of person? Or do you prefer to bundle up in layers? Adjust accordingly!


• Your Activity Level: Are you spending the day curled up on the couch reading a book? Or are you running around doing chores? That makes a difference!


• Your Health: Do you have any health conditions that make you more sensitive to temperature? If so, listen to your body!

The Great Thermostat Debate (and How to Avoid It)

If you live with other people, you know the thermostat can be a major source of conflict. One person's "perfectly comfortable" is another person's "arctic tundra." So, what do you do?

Here are a few ideas (besides moving out, which, let's be honest, has crossed your mind):

• Compromise: Find a temperature that everyone can (sort of) tolerate.


• Layers, layers, layers: Encourage everyone to dress appropriately. Sweaters are your friend!


• Zoned Heating: If you have the option, use zoned heating to heat only the rooms you're using.


• Blanket Forts: Okay, this might not be the most practical solution, but it's definitely the most fun.

The Bottom Line

Ultimately, the best temperature for your house in the winter is the one that keeps you comfortable and happy without breaking the bank. Experiment a little! See what works for you! And don't be afraid to adjust the thermostat as needed.

And hey, if all else fails, just blame it on the cat. They're always cold, aren't they?

Just remember to stay warm and enjoy those cozy winter nights!