What temperature should I set my thermostat in winter?

Why 68 degrees is the common starting point

Around 68 degrees, most furnaces, boilers, and heat pumps run efficient, reasonably spaced cycles, and the indoor air holds enough warmth for comfort in normal clothing. Every degree higher forces the system to run longer against the outdoor cold, which is why small setpoint changes show up on energy bills. Pennsylvania winters swing from mild to bitter, so think of 68 as a baseline you adjust for your home's insulation, your family's preferences, and any health considerations for infants or older adults, who often need it a bit warmer.

Setbacks, schedules, and heat pumps

Lowering the temperature 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours at a stretch — overnight or during the workday — is the classic energy saver for furnaces and boilers. Heat pumps are the exception: deep setbacks can trigger expensive electric backup heat during recovery, so smaller setbacks or a heat-pump-aware smart thermostat work better. A programmable thermostat takes the guesswork out either way.

What you can check yourself

• ✓Confirm the thermostat is set to Heat and the fan is on Auto
• ✓Replace thermostat batteries if the display is blank or fading
• ✓Keep lamps, TVs, and space heaters away from the thermostat so it reads room air accurately
• ✓Make sure supply registers and returns are not blocked by furniture or rugs
• ✓Never set the thermostat below about 55 degrees in winter, even when away, to protect pipes

When to bring in a professional

If the house never reaches the setpoint, rooms vary wildly in temperature, or the system short-cycles on and off, the issue is usually the equipment or ductwork rather than the thermostat number. A technician can diagnose the real cause and recommend whether a thermostat upgrade or a repair makes sense. PJ MAC HVAC handles thermostat and heating issues around the clock, every day of the year.