With Iowa winter temperatures regularly dropping below zero, heating costs can skyrocket. But finding the right thermostat settings lets you stay comfortable without burning through your budget. Here's what the experts recommend.
The Short Answer
68°F when home and awake, 60-65°F when sleeping or away. Never below 55°F to prevent frozen pipes.
Recommended Temperature Schedule
Use this schedule as a starting point, then adjust based on your comfort preferences:
Morning Wake-Up
68°F
Program heat to reach 68°F by the time you wake up. Start warming 30-60 minutes before your alarm.
Daytime (At Work)
60-62°F
Lower the temperature while away. No need to heat an empty house. Your pets will be fine.
Evening (Home)
68°F
Return to comfortable temperature when home. Program to warm up 30 minutes before you arrive.
Night (Sleeping)
62-65°F
Lower temps while sleeping under blankets. Many people sleep better in cooler temperatures.
How Much Can You Really Save?
The Department of Energy estimates you can save 1-3% on your heating bill for every degree you lower your thermostat over an 8-hour period. Here's what that looks like for an Iowa winter:
Potential Savings Example
- • Average Iowa winter heating bill: ~$150-250/month
- • Lowering thermostat 7°F for 8 hours/day: ~10% savings
- • Potential savings: $15-25/month or $75-125/season
Common Thermostat Mistakes in Iowa
❌ Cranking Up the Heat to Warm Faster
Setting your thermostat to 80°F won't heat your home faster—your furnace works at the same rate regardless. You'll just overshoot your comfort level and waste energy.
❌ Keeping It at One Temperature All Day
Maintaining 72°F 24/7 wastes significant energy. Your home doesn't need to be warm when you're sleeping under blankets or away at work.
❌ Setting It Too Low When Away
While lowering the temperature saves money, going below 55°F risks frozen pipes—an expensive disaster. And huge temperature swings make your furnace work harder during recovery.
❌ Ignoring Programmable Features
Many homeowners have programmable thermostats but never program them. Automation is key to consistent savings without constant adjustments.
Special Considerations for Iowa Winters
During Extreme Cold Snaps
When temperatures drop well below zero (which happens several times each Iowa winter), consider keeping your thermostat a few degrees higher than normal and avoid large setbacks. Your furnace may struggle to recover in extreme cold.
If You Have a Heat Pump
Heat pumps work differently than furnaces. Large temperature setbacks can trigger expensive auxiliary heat. Keep setbacks modest (2-3 degrees) with heat pump systems.
With Radiant Floor Heating
Radiant systems respond slowly. Use smaller temperature setbacks and allow longer recovery times. A 2-3 degree setback is usually sufficient.
Other Ways to Stay Warm and Save
- Seal air leaks around windows, doors, and outlets
- Use ceiling fans in reverse (clockwise) to push warm air down
- Keep blinds open on sunny days, closed at night
- Add rugs to uncarpeted floors for insulation
- Close doors to unused rooms
- Schedule annual furnace maintenance for peak efficiency
- Replace furnace filter monthly during heavy use
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature should I set my thermostat in Iowa winters?
The recommended daytime setting is 68°F when you're home and awake. At night or when away, lower it to 60-65°F. For every degree you lower your thermostat, you can save 1-3% on heating costs. However, don't go below 55°F to prevent frozen pipes.
Should I turn my heat down when I leave for work?
Yes, lowering your thermostat 7-10 degrees for 8 hours (like while at work) can save up to 10% on heating costs annually. A programmable thermostat makes this automatic. The key is consistency—your furnace uses more energy recovering from a large temperature drop than maintaining a lower steady temperature.
Is it bad to turn my heat off at night in Iowa?
Don't turn it completely off in Iowa winters—this risks frozen pipes and makes your furnace work much harder to reheat the house. Instead, lower the temperature to 60-65°F at night. You'll stay comfortable under blankets while saving energy.
What's the lowest I should set my thermostat in winter to prevent frozen pipes?
Never set your thermostat below 55°F in Iowa winters, even when on vacation. Pipes in exterior walls and unheated areas can freeze at lower temperatures. If traveling, consider setting it to 58-60°F for a safety margin.
Should I use auto or circulate fan setting in winter?
Use 'Auto' for most situations—the fan only runs when heating. 'Circulate' or 'On' runs the fan continuously, which can help distribute heat more evenly in multi-story homes but uses more electricity. If you have significant temperature differences between floors, try 'circulate' for 15-20 minutes per hour.