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How to Set Your Home Thermostat for Winter in Texas
Save on electric bills in the winter by adjusting your thermostat.Written by Luke Daugherty
Edited by Jamie Cesanek
Last updated December 19, 2025
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Key Points
- Heating and cooling account for more than half of the average home’s energy usage.
- Decreasing your thermostat in the winter could lower your monthly energy bills by up to 10%.
- Switching to a smart or programmable thermostat gives you more control over your home’s temperature and can reduce your usage.
- Understanding your typical usage habits and home heating equipment can help you make better energy-saving choices during Texas winters.
FAQs about setting your thermostat for winter
The DOE recommends programming your thermostat between 68 and 70 degrees while you’re home and awake in the winter months. To increase your savings, set the temperature 7 to 10 degrees lower while you’re asleep or away.
Yes. According to data from ENERGY STAR, a smart thermostat can save the average user roughly 8% on annual energy costs.
Yes, older heating systems are less efficient than newer systems due to outdated technology and general wear and tear. Most new systems are designed to meet newer requirements for energy efficiency.
ENERGY STAR recommends considering replacement when your heat pump is more than 10 years old, or your furnace or boiler is more than 15 years old. Other signs that it’s time for an upgrade include frequent repairs, higher energy bills, or inconsistent temperatures and humidity issues throughout your home.