Minimum temperature to keep house?

Question

My husband and I are arguing about what minimum temperature to keep the house. I would like to put it as low as possible during the night because we are having some serious financial troubles. He insists we need to keep it high for our 7 year old. I don't want her to get sick. So what is the lowest we could possibly set it where there is no risk to our child...or pipes bursting.

Answer 1

Keeping your temperature at 68 degrees during your time in the house, and down to about 55-58 at night is about the most efficient.

It is highly unlikely your child will suffer unless she has circulatory problems. In fact, it is probably healthier, as high heat dries the air out, plus, allergens, molds, and other germs thrive in a warm environment, all of which are decidedly NOT healthy for anyone, particularly children.

Studies show that people sleep better and more deeply in colder rooms.

Keeping your temperature too low can actually be more costly, as it takes more energy to heat your environment. The walls, furniture, etc., need to absorb heat to be able to help keep the warmth, and the colder everything is (yes, cold radiates), the harder your furnace is working. And, if your basement or crawl space is warmer, your floors are warmer, ergo, the warmth is radiated, and you feel warmer.

If you have financial problems, go down to your local Social Services office and apply for HEAP benefits (and food benefits, while you're at it). It is highly likely you can get several hundred dollars worth of heating fuel free. A couple of hours of your time are worth it. The HEAP program started November 10th, and will end in March.

Answer 2

I think your noses would freeze before the pipes do. The pipes can go close to freezing and most people who have the house vacant while they are on vacation set it to 55 to keep the pipes OK.

As far as a comfortable temperature we have fooled with that. We fond that70 is comfy, 69 is satisfactory. 68 you start to feel chilled. Below that you will need a sweater on to survive comfortably.

If you want to save get a programmable thermostat and set it to turn down the heat at night when everyone is in bed. Try some good heavy blankets or an electric blanket and some warm PJs or nightgowns. Every 1 degree turndown for 8 hours saves 1% on your heating bill.

Answer 3

At 55 degrees F none of the outside pipes will freeze. Many cities have made this the law because people were trying to cut their heating bills by leaving it lower than that and damaging the property,.

Answer 4

I'm in the mid-atlantic states and I keep mine at 60 at night.
Just get a set of flannel sheets and it will be toasty.

Answer 5

i keep mine on 72 and just wear warm clothes, not talking coats and thing like that, but flannel PJ a sweat shirt and pant outfit. You daughter wont get sick unless it's cold enough for her to get pneumonia, and then you need to be freezing then. Keep it set at that temp and you should be fine. I live in Seattle, the highest energy tax in the country, and my heating bill, (gas)is $57 every two months...

Answer 6

What Lady S said.

Answer 7

76

Answer 8

we go with 58 degrees at night and when no one's home, 62 when we're home and awake.