What Temperature Should I Set My Thermostat to in Winter?

How to Stay Cozy in Chicago Without Overheating Your Energy Bill!

When winter hits Chicago, we all want the same thing: a warm, comfortable home—without getting slammed by high heating costs. The good news? Finding the right thermostat setting can help you stay cozy and save money.

Let’s break down the ideal winter thermostat settings, how to warm your home efficiently, and why a smart thermostat might be a smart move. At Shavitz Heating & Air Conditioning, keeping our customers comfortable and safe (while helping them save money) is always our top priority!

Recommended Winter Thermostat Settings

When You’re Home (and Awake):
68°F is the sweet spot for most Chicago households. It keeps you warm without wasting energy and is backed by recommendations from the U.S. Department of Energy.

When You’re Asleep or Away:
Drop it to 60–66°F. If your home is well-insulated, it’ll hold onto the heat just fine while you sleep or step out, helping you cut energy costs without sacrificing comfort.

Related: How to Lower Your Energy Bills Without Sacrificing Comfort

Consider a Smart or Programmable Thermostat

Constantly adjusting the temperature by hand? That gets old fast.

A programmable thermostat can take care of that for you—automatically lowering the heat when you’re asleep or away, then warming things back up before you even notice. It’s one of the easiest ways to reduce energy use without sacrificing comfort.

Want to go a step further? A smart thermostat is like a personal assistant for your HVAC system. It learns your habits, adapts to your routines, and helps you stay comfortable without lifting a finger.

Bonus features many smart thermostats offer:

• Remote control: Adjust the temperature from your phone—whether you’re on the couch or out of town
• Voice control: Works with smart assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri
• Energy usage reports: See how much energy you’re using and where you can save
• Maintenance alerts: Get reminders when it’s time to change your filter or schedule a tune-up
• Weather responsiveness: Some models adjust settings based on local weather forecasts
• Zoning capabilities: Control temperatures in different parts of your home separately (when paired with a compatible system)

If you’re someone who likes comfort, convenience, and lower bills (who doesn’t?) – a smart thermostat might be the upgrade your home’s been waiting for. Our trained technicians would love to go over options, such as an ecobee or Nest, during your next annual tune-up!

Related: What’s Included in a Professional HVAC Tune-Up?

Don’t Crank the Heat

Tempted to bump the heat way up to get warm fast? It doesn’t work that way. Cranking your thermostat won’t heat your home quicker—it just makes your furnace run longer, which can waste energy and even lead to overheating.

Instead, raise the temperature gradually (1–2 degrees at a time) and allow your system time to adjust.

Related: What’s the Difference Between a Gas and Electric Furnace?

Other Ways to Stay Warm Without Touching the Thermostat

• Layer up: Cozy socks and a sweater go a long way
• Use thermal curtains to keep warm air in
• Seal drafts around windows and doors
• Schedule a furnace tune-up to make sure your system is ready for the cold

Related: 4 Important Heat Pump Maintenance Tips

Why Thermostat Settings Matter

Getting the setting right does more than just lower your energy bill—it also reduces wear and tear on your furnace. Constantly cranking it up and down can cause your system to cycle on and off more frequently, leading to increased repairs and a shorter lifespan.

Related: How Can I Make My Furnace Last Longer?

Need Help Finding the Right Balance?

At Shavitz Heating & Air Conditioning, we help Chicago homeowners stay warm all winter long—without wasting energy. Whether you’re considering a smart thermostat, need a furnace tune-up, or just want to get more from your current system, we’ve got your back.

Call us at 847-861-5559 or schedule service online. Or visit us at 8024 St. Louis Ave, Skokie, IL 60076

Final Thoughts

Setting your thermostat to the right temperature might seem like a small detail—but it can have a big impact on your comfort, your system’s performance, and your energy bills.

Stick to around 68°F when you’re home, lower it when you’re not, and pair that with smart tech and seasonal maintenance to make the most of every degree.

Stay warm, save money, and let Shavitz help you keep winter under control.