The Best Temperature for Your Home Thermostat for Warmth and Savings

A blast of Arctic air is forecast to impact a large swath of the country this week. The unseasonably cold temperatures will first dive down into the Northern Plains and the Upper Midwest on Wednesday before creeping farther to the south and the east on Thanksgiving. More than 200 million Americans can expect temperatures to land below the historical average by Friday.

The rapidly dropping temperatures will send those in the path scurrying to their home thermostat to crank up the heat. What is the best temperature for optimal home heating, balanced with energy cost savings? This is what the experts have to say about this issue.

The Magic Setting for a Home Thermostat

While the ideal thermostat temperature is a highly subjective opinion, the U.S. Department of Energy has identified one specific number as being the best setting if your goal is to stay comfortable while also minimizing home heating costs. According to the leading government agency, this magic setting is 68 degrees when you are home and awake. You can go a little lower when you are asleep or not home.