How to Set Your Home Thermostat for Winter in Texas

Save on electric bills in the winter by adjusting your thermostat.

Last updated 12/17/2024

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Key Points

Heating and cooling make up over half of residential electricity consumption.
Decreasing your thermostat in the winter could lower your electricity bills by 10%.
Switching to a smart or programmable thermostat can help reduce your energy usage.

Winter in Texas

In Texas’s unpredictable winter season, knowing how to save on your electricity costs isn’t always straightforward. Whether there is a major winter storm — such as the one Texas residents experienced in 2021 — or more mild weather, it helps to know how to improve your home’s energy efficiency.

According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), more than half of the average household’s annual energy usage goes toward heating and air conditioning. With that in mind, how should Texans set their thermostats in winter to avoid high electricity bills? Here’s what you need to know.

Best thermostat setting for winters in Texas

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recommends setting your thermostat between 68 to 70 degrees while awake and at home in the winter. To lower your electricity bill in the winter, try setting your thermostat a few degrees lower when you’re asleep or out of the house. The DOE estimates that you can save up to 10% on heating costs simply by reducing your thermostat for 8 hours daily. This is easily attainable for many residents who are out of the house during the day and can help reduce your electricity bill.

Tips for saving energy in the winter in Texas

Saving on energy costs in Texas during the winter and beyond is an all-around effort. As such, you can take several different measures to lower your energy bills by adjusting your thermostat and by doing the following:

Choose the right thermostat

One way you can adjust your thermostat to lower your electric bills in Texas is with a smart thermostat. A smart thermostat automates your home’s temperature and allows you to control it remotely from your smartphone.

Programmable thermostats have been around since the 1970s and give users the flexibility to set a certain temperature on a schedule. These days, many homes have a smart thermostat to help regulate home temperatures, which has more features and gives users more control.

If your home has an older manual thermostat, it’s a good idea to upgrade to at least a programmable thermostat. Manual thermostats are non-programmable and require constant adjusting if the temperature cools or warms throughout the day.

Use ceiling fans

The DOE suggests using fans to further help with heating your home in the winter without breaking the bank. Ceiling fans set to a clockwise rotation help push the rising hot air back down to the ground, keeping your home warmer on cold days.

Know your energy usage

Understanding where you use the most energy in your home is key to lowering your energy bills. SaveOnEnergy’s usage calculator can help you estimate how much power your home’s appliances and devices use, which can help you better manage your energy consumption and electric bills.

Pick the right type of heater

The type of heater you have can make or break your bills. Space heaters tend to require less electricity than central heating but are not ideal for heating an entire house. Heat pumps cost more upfront but have bigger savings in the long run.

Saving energy in winter with your thermostat setting

The key to saving on your electricity bill in winter is to use less energy and adjust the temperature when you’re not home to avoid wasting energy. Making small changes to your thermostat is a good way to save on energy costs without too much sacrifice.