The ideal temperature to turn on the heat depends on personal preferences, but there are some general guidelines to follow. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends keeping the thermostat between 68.5 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit in winter. The World Health Organization recommends keeping the indoor temperature at 64.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, and for those who are young or old (or who have an illness), it recommends a minimum indoor temperature of 69.8 degrees Fahrenheit. The Department of Energy recommends setting the thermostat at around 68°F or lower each day when the home is empty, or at night when people are sleeping to save on energy bills.

There is no one answer to when to turn on the heat, but some general guidelines suggest that if the outside temperature is below 60 degrees Fahrenheit, it is probably time to start thinking about turning on the heat. Once the temperature drops below 50 degrees, you will probably want to turn on the heat. However, some people wait until it dips into the low 40s or flirts with below freezing outside before turning on the furnace. Ultimately, the decision of when to turn on the heat is up to personal preference, but it is important to listen to your body and pay attention to the weather forecast.

It is also important to note that heating and cooling costs can be decreased by as much as 10% by turning back thermostats 7 – 10 degrees Fahrenheit for eight hours a day. Lower temperature settings can lead to more savings, but it is important to find a temperature that is comfortable for everyone in the home.