Oh, that thermostat!
By Marie Coyle
@MarieCoyle (39237)
January 1, 2025 8:47pm CST
I am trying so very hard to get used to keeping my heat at a lower temperature. For those of you out there that have central heat/air, are you trying to conserve by keeping your home colder than you would prefer?
I would actually be truly comfortable if it were set about 72 or so. But we are supposedly in for a very long, frigid spell this month. I have been keeping it at 69 degrees so far this winter, but drastic cold weather calls for drastic measures, so now I am hoping I can stand it at 67.
For the record, my home is not old and I have good, tight windows and doors. I live in an area that has very sweeping, high winds when it storms, and we currently have and will have some whopping high, cold winds that look to last for days.
What temperature do you keep your thermostat?
*Yes, I know the thermostat time is wrong. It gets messed up every time the power blinks or goes off for storms...I gave up.
22 people like this
21 responses
@DaddyEvil (138089)
• United States
2 Jan
Pretty keeps the thermostat at 72F, which is too warm for me but if I turn it down, she drags out electric heaters and runs those instead. 
So I just leave the thermostat alone.
So I just leave the thermostat alone.4 people like this
@DaddyEvil (138089)
• United States
2 Jan
@MarieCoyle I just want the sheet over my middle and under my arms. I kick anything that touches my feet and lower legs off.
3 people like this
@MarieCoyle (39237)
•
2 Jan
Maybe I will come over and hang out. 72 sounds wonderful to me!
4 people like this
@MarieCoyle (39237)
•
2 Jan
@DaddyEvil
I cannot sleep without blankets. I never have been able to.
4 people like this
@sallypup (61901)
• Centralia, Washington
2 Jan
@MarieCoyle We've started to use an electric throw on the bed.
3 people like this
@MarieCoyle (39237)
•
2 Jan
@sallypup
I am so thankful to have both right now, if not I would be hauling one around from wherever I decided to plant myself. They help me so much to stay warm!
3 people like this
@MarieCoyle (39237)
•
2 Jan
I think I would be an ice cube without my electric throw and my big electric blanket at night ! I love them!
2 people like this
@kareng (62774)
• United States
2 Jan
I just wish we had central air and heat and a thermostat!! I would be happy with 67! It's 58 right now in our den. I did not turn on the big heater when I came home and hubby is watching television in the bedroom, so didn't want to fire the big one up since I didn't think I would be here long. Ha!
3 people like this
@kareng (62774)
• United States
3 Jan
@MarieCoyle Today is warm. It's up to 60! The ceilings are 12 ft. in here so that is one reason it stays so cold. I have a small heater by my desk that keeps me warm.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (39237)
•
2 Jan
I know your weather is warmer than ours here, but 58 is not a comfortable temperature. I don't know how I could do that, not fun at all!
3 people like this
@MarieCoyle (39237)
•
3 Jan
@kareng
Oh, it sounds like a huge home for two people to maintain. And to keep heated or cooled.
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (94566)
• United States
2 Jan
I turn my thermostat off until about 9pm, and then leave it for an hour. After an hour I turn it back off, and hope that hour lasts awhile. Unless, it gets to 28 degrees, and then I set it in 65 degrees, and let it do its thing. I wear multiple shirts to keep warm.
That was the last 18 years. This year my arthritis said enough. I set my thermostat at 70 degrees, and have a blanket on my lap whenever I sit down. My spine can’t take it anymore, and I’ll just have to deal with the higher than usual electricity bill.
3 people like this
@MarieCoyle (39237)
•
2 Jan
I did similar all through the fall--left the heat off most of the time, and only warmed it up when I couldn't stand it anymore. My daily attire includes my jeans, or sweats if I am not going anywhere, socks, shoes, knit shirt, sweater, and if I am really cold, I pile on my extremely heavy bathrobe. I probably look like an alien, but I don't care. I just want to be warm.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (39237)
•
2 Jan
@AmbiePam
Honestly, it's not too bad of a temperature unless I try to sit down for very long without my trusty heated throw! I just know when it gets super cold and stays that way, it will run a lot more than it is now. They are predicting next week we have below zero nights, with wind it will be like minus 25-30. So, I am saving what I can, now!
2 people like this
@kaylachan (72630)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
2 Jan
I keep my house set between 72-75. We do have centeral air/heat. So it works out pretty well. The air has been off since we haven't had it drop below 73 the past week or so. During this upcoming cold spell I know I'll be adjusting the heat quite often.
4 people like this
@MarieCoyle (39237)
•
2 Jan
You are used to having higher temperatures than I am. When I am in Florida I am usually warm, even in the winter, at least most of the time. I think it’s all what we get used to.
4 people like this
@kaylachan (72630)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
2 Jan
@MarieCoyle Yeah, I know. I mean I've had winters with lows down to the single digits and teens, and days where it hit freezing. But, those are far and fewi-in-between. Also, cold hits different depending where you are. For example, if we were on the beach, it'd feel ten degrees cooler and wetter because of the ocean breezes. But, on the mainland it feels warmer. And ther's only a difference of about two miles. Then you have to remember that even though our house holds heat very well, when it gets cold enough, same applies it can feel colder than the thermestat reads. And, while I'm fat and could personally tolorate lower temps, George can't as easily. He's older and on blood thinners.
4 people like this
@MarieCoyle (39237)
•
2 Jan
@kaylachan
Humidity definitely has a lot to do with how the cold feels, and the wind. I know since I lost weight, I get colder a lot easier than I ever had before.
4 people like this
@LindaOHio (183178)
• United States
2 Jan
I keep mine at 70. I have a blanket if I get cold. Have a good day.
2 people like this
@LindaOHio (183178)
• United States
2 Jan
@MarieCoyle I don't like it when my feet sweat. I put my blanket on my arms and my feet warm up..
2 people like this
@porwest (93299)
• United States
2 Jan
I remember you saying you always wear flip flops and I always wondered how you keep your feet warm!! My feet get super cold and I can’t wear flip flops anyway…so I wear socks and my Minnetonka moccasins inside the house.
@MarieCoyle Cold feet are the worst. I can't stand it.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (39237)
•
2 Jan
I remember you saying you always wear flip flops and I always wondered how you keep your feet warm!! My feet get super cold and I can’t wear flip flops anyway…so I wear socks and my Minnetonka moccasins inside the house.
2 people like this
@much2say (56522)
• Los Angeles, California
2 Jan
We are one of the rarities here that do not use use heating nor AC - even though we have it. People think we are nuts. But oh yes, we do save $$$ - and we can tolerate weather. We are never in freezing temps - so a bit of clothes layering and down comforters do the trick - mostly . Our house is from the early 50s and some of that cold air does make it inside (but ya know, Southern CA, we can't complain about our kind of chill ).
. Our house is from the early 50s and some of that cold air does make it inside (but ya know, Southern CA, we can't complain about our kind of chill ).1 person likes this
@much2say (56522)
• Los Angeles, California
3 Jan
@MarieCoyle I believe it! Did she live near the coast or more inland?
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (39237)
•
2 Jan
My sister lived in San Diego for a long time. They never turned on their heat that I can remember.
1 person likes this
@Manasha (2826)
• Pondicherry, India
3 Jan
I totally get it—adjusting to lower heat settings can be tough, especially with frigid weather and high winds! Keeping it at 67 is impressive, and it sounds like you’ve made great efforts to insulate your home. I usually keep my thermostat around 68 during the winter, but on especially cold days, I might bump it up to 70 for comfort. Those sweeping winds definitely make a difference! Hang in there, and stay cozy! ??
1 person likes this
@Manasha (2826)
• Pondicherry, India
17h
@MarieCoyle It’s great that you’re dressing warmly—it really helps in keeping cozy when the thermostat is set lower. Your son must have quite the tolerance for cold if 67 feels fine to him! With those minus 5 nights coming up, I’d say bumping up the thermostat is totally justified. Staying warm and comfortable is more important than sticking strictly to a number. Take care and stay safe during those frigid nights!
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (39237)
•
21h
The wind really does make a huge difference. I dress warmly. My son is here, but he is one of those people who is almost never cold, so 67 doesn't bother him a bit!! I am trying to avoid bumping up the thermostat, but since we will be having some nights of minus 5 and lower, it might get bumped up!
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (39237)
•
6h
@Manasha
He has always been that way. Not sure why, he will wear a short sleeved T shirt, and I will say, aren't you cold?? No, mom, it's just right. Not for mom, it isn't!
I am doing my best to stay warm, thank you!!
@MarieCoyle (39237)
•
2 Jan
Well, it's good that the heater is efficient. Is it just an electric heater? It must be amazing to heat the house quickly!
1 person likes this
@Juliaacv (51610)
• Canada
2 Jan
@MarieCoyle That sounds about right.
I work from home and sit all day long, the computer fans warm the room so I actually keep a fan running to circulate the air, but everywhere else needs to stay warm.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (39237)
•
3 Jan
@Juliaacv
I am glad you get to work from home, especially when roads could be slippery and scary!!
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (39237)
•
2 Jan
Well, 23C in my world is about 73 degrees...which would be warm! In-floor heating keeps the feet warm, I know.
I dress warmly, I have to. Layers!
1 person likes this
@wolfgirl569 (108954)
• Marion, Ohio
2 Jan
We keep the family room in the 70s but it has the pellet burner in it. Because of that the thermostat is set higher but the bedroom is cool
1 person likes this
@wolfgirl569 (108954)
• Marion, Ohio
2 Jan
@MarieCoyle So far. But still waiting on the new igniter. I might see if I can just buy one somewhere and replace it ourselves
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (39237)
•
3 Jan
@wolfgirl569
That's just irritating, and not acceptable.
1 person likes this
@RasmaSandra (81194)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
2 Jan
At least you got a heated house, Our temps are ven lowering in the 30s next week and all I got is a space heater,
1 person likes this
@RasmaSandra (81194)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
3 Jan
@MarieCoyle with no central heating there is no choice
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (39237)
•
21h
@RasmaSandra
No, there isn't. It would be nearly impossible here to live without central heat unless a person had a good wood burning stove, and a pile of wood, and a place to put the wood!
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (39237)
•
2 Jan
Oh, my. It is so expensive to run space heaters. They pull a lot of power.
1 person likes this
@porwest (93299)
• United States
2 Jan
67 or 69 would be way too cold for me. Heat is something, even as cheap as I am, I absolutely do not compromise on. It's my comfort and when it comes to cuts, I make them in other areas. It goes along with my motto I like to cite often, "save on the things you need so you can afford the things you want." I'll cut back on eggs before I freeze my tushy off. lol
1 person likes this
@porwest (93299)
• United States
3 Jan
@MarieCoyle Yeah. It's about to get really nasty.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (39237)
•
21h
@porwest
We got several inches of snow Friday. More on the way.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (39237)
•
2 Jan
I will probably bump up the thermostat when that cold spell hits with the big wind chill. Otherwise, I will be a frozen mess!
1 person likes this
@Ghostlady (1440)
• United States
2 Jan
I live in Lower Alabama (the panhandle of FL). It was in the 60's today didn't get chilly till the sun went down. We keep our thermostat on 77 or 78 year round. In the summer our bill is almost $300....We both have to have cool air. In the winter our bill is most of the time less than $150 unless it is really cold. Won't know this year until later this month if it will ever get cold cold this year. Some years the cold comes the last of Nov. This year it has been warmer..had a couple of nights it got down to the 30's. Hoping it stays warm.
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (39237)
•
2 Jan
This next week I think you will be getting a bit of the polar vortex that will bring your temps down. I know my cousin in Navarre sent me a text saying next week they will have some nights that will be very cold. I hope not for your sake, but at least it's not going to be below zero.
1 person likes this
@Ghostlady (1440)
• United States
2 Jan
@porwest We DO live in FL in the Panhandle..but only 100 miles from Alabama. We HAVE thought about moving to Alabama, but that would be in desperation. LOL We are looking into a couple of places the VA recommended today. Didn't do anything but check new listings yesterday as it was the 1st and most things closed.
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (161216)
• United States
2 Jan
I keep mine around 67, but turn it up when I will shower. House is old, but heating and cooling system is about seven months old. Still have some drafty doors and windows. Summer I tried to stick to 74. There is also a built in electric wall heater in each bathroom. We have electric throws and a heated mattress pad to take off the chill.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (161216)
• United States
3 Jan
@MarieCoyle This house was built in 1930.
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (182869)
• United States
2 Jan
Typically 65, and I really dread having to have the heat in continuously during this cold sbap. However, as long as we have heat I will grin and bear it. If the heat goes off it will be far worse
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (39237)
•
2 Jan
I hope no one has a loss of power. But south of me they appear to be expecting an ice storm Sunday, so that is a possibility for many.
@FourWalls (69535)
• United States
2 Jan
Believe it or not, when I’m in bed it’s set at 62. Why heat up the air when I’m warm and toasty under the covers? 
1 person likes this
@Marilynda1225 (83234)
• United States
3 Jan
I've also lowered mine to 66 degrees hoping to keep the cost down with the plummeting temperatures hitting us. I would also enjoy it being at 72 degrees and it would feel tropical 
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (39237)
•
3 Jan
Tropical, indeed! I would love 72 right now, but I think those days are over.
@MarieCoyle (39237)
•
21h
Scar, I do recall your hoomin buying an electric blanket, as he took a picture of you curled up on it. Please, don't be selfish, and share it with your hoomin. Remember, he buys the food...and 65 is COLD!
1 person likes this
