Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallOutdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchFor many households, 68°F is a familiar starting point while you’re awake in winter—not a universal ideal. The U.S. Department of Energy’s more flexible advice is to choose the lowest temperature that feels comfortable while you’re awake, then set it lower while you sleep or are away if that still works for your household. A setback may reduce heating costs, but actual savings depend on your home, weather, energy rates and heating system.
What temperature should you set in winter?
Start with a setting that keeps everyone comfortable, then try lowering it a little during hours when the home is empty or occupants are asleep. DOE’s older Guide to Home Heating and Cooling cites 68°F while awake and recommends setting the thermostat back while sleeping. Its 2010 guide is best treated as a commonly cited benchmark, not a current mandate or a temperature that suits every home.
DOE’s Consumer Guide to Home Heating and Cooling puts the principle this way: “In winter, keep thermostats at the lowest comfortable temperature when you are awake and set it back further while you sleep.” Comfort is personal; DOE has also stated that Americans may choose whatever thermostat temperature they prefer.
Can lowering the thermostat reduce heating bills?
DOE offers general estimates, not a guaranteed savings rate for an individual household. Its consumer guide estimates that setbacks while sleeping or away can save as much as 10% on heating and cooling costs, and that each 1°F setback during an eight-hour period can save about 1% on heating bills. A separate 2022 Energy Saver guide says a 7°–10°F setback for eight hours a day in fall and winter can save up to 10% per year on heating and cooling.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
#1 Best Overall
- 【Notice】Please make sure to read the installation and wiring instructions provided in the pictures carefully before buying. If you are inexperienced with installation, it is advised to be cautious when making a purchase to avoid issues like product failure or incompatibility. (Verify the existing base to ensure only 2 to 5 wires are compatible for installation and wiring).
- 【Thermostat Applications 1H/1C】for with Conventional Single-Stage Heating & Air Conditioning, up to 1 Heat and 1 Cool. Gas/Oil/Electric Furnace (Heat only), Boiler Radiant (Heat only), Furnace Forced-Air (Heat Only), Gas Fireplace (24 Volts), Cooling Only, Only 1H/1C Heat Pump (without aux) Systems.
- 【Incompatible Systems】Does not work multistage systems (1H/2C, 2H/2C), HVAC heat pump systems (2H/1C, 4H/2C), PTACs, 3-wire hydronic (hot water), dual fuel/hybrid heating. Does not work line voltage systems (120-240V electric baseboards heat); mini split heat pump air conditioner, RV air conditioners mach and roughneck series.
- Suuwer S705 5-1-1 day programmable thermostat 1 Heat/ 1 Cool. Separate programs for the weekdays and weekends with 4 program periods per day including wake, leave, return and sleep.
- 【Technical support】 Separate heat or cool swing set up (0.2°F to 2°F) and 5 minute compressor delay protection (Selectable ON or OFF). Digital thermostat has a built-in battery change and filter change reminders (Set 50-2000 hours)
Those estimates use different framings and should not be combined into a precise bill calculator. Your results vary with factors such as climate, insulation, energy prices, occupancy and equipment. A lower setting is useful only if it remains comfortable and suits your household.
How to set a sleep or away schedule
You can adjust an existing thermostat manually; buying new equipment is optional. A programmable thermostat can automate repeated sleep and away setbacks, while a smart thermostat may add remote control or energy-use reporting. Before buying, confirm that the model is compatible with your heating equipment and wiring.
Rank #2
- PRIVACY PROTECTION*: Sensi won’t sell your personal information to third parties
- EASY DIY INSTALLATION: Use the built-in level and step-by-step app instructions for a quick installation. Works with HVAC equipment found in most homes. Common wire (c-wire) is not required in most applications
- SAVE ABOUT 23% ON HVAC ENERGY*: The ENERGY STAR-certified Sensi smart thermostat can help you save energy with features like flexible scheduling, remote access and usage reports
- SIMPLE CONFIGURATION: Looks and feels like a thermostat. Has buttons and fits the same space as a traditional thermostat so you don’t have to patch and paint your walls
- SMART MAINTENANCE: Sensi can help monitor the performance and efficiency of your HVAC system by delivering valuable usage reports, alerts about your equipment, and maintenance reminders like filter replacement
- Choose the hours. Identify times when the home is regularly unoccupied or people are asleep.
- Try a modest setback. Lower the setting for those hours and adjust based on comfort when you wake or return.
- Automate only if useful. Use your thermostat’s schedule if available, or continue making manual changes.
- Check system compatibility. Heat-pump households should use a thermostat designed for heat pumps before scheduling setbacks.
Why heat-pump owners should take care with setbacks
Some heat pumps use electric resistance elements to recover temperature after a setback. Those elements can consume more electricity than the heat pump’s normal operation. DOE purchasing guidance notes that a heat-pump-specific thermostat that raises the temperature gradually can help avoid activating resistance heat. Check your equipment and thermostat documentation rather than applying a large setback blindly.
DOE’s 2022 guidance specifically cautions heat-pump owners to use a smart or programmable thermostat designed for heat pumps. The key is not simply whether a thermostat is labeled “smart”; it must support your particular system and manage temperature recovery appropriately.
Rank #3
- · High Compatibility: Forced air (gas, oil or electric), Electric furnace, Hot water steam or gravity radiant heat, Heat only systems, Heat pump w/o auxiliary or emergency heat, Millivolt, Gas fireplaces (24V), Floor or wall furnaces, Cool only systems.(TIP: Before purchasing, check to see if this thermostat is compatible with your system.)
- · Not Compatible: Heat pump with auxiliary or emergency heat, Dual fuel/hybrid heating, Electric baseboard heat (110-240 volts), Line voltage, Convectors, Radiant-ceiling heat, Mini split systems and 12V RV systems.
- · Easy to Install and Use: Large terminal blocks with universal sub-base, can be installed within 30 minutes, Large, clear, easy-to-read backlight LCD display and easy controls make for a user-friendly experience.
- · Factory Pre-set Energy-efficiency Program: 7-day, 5/1/1 easy-to-understand programming menus, flexible programming lets you sync your comfort with your schedule.
- · Reliability: Made by professional manufacturer and backed by over 20 years of experience, the customer service is 7*24 hrs available.
Other practical ways to support lower winter heating costs
Thermostat settings are only one part of the bill. DOE also recommends addressing common sources of heat loss and maintaining central heating equipment:
- Seal gaps around windows to reduce drafts.
- Check central heating filters monthly and replace dirty filters; DOE advises changing them at least every three months.
- In rooms with ceiling fans, run the fan clockwise at low speed to push warm air down.
Utility incentives for eligible smart thermostats may be available in some areas, but programs and eligibility vary; check with your utility before purchasing.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- An Alexa thermostat - Amazon Smart Thermostat is an easy way to switch from a traditional thermostats for homes and help reduce energy usage.
- Create comfort zones throughout your home by connecting to select Alexa devices to automatically adjust heating and cooling based on temperature readings or presence detection.
- Save money and energy - After purchase, Amazon will send you an email with details about home thermostat rebates that may be available from energy providers in your area.
- Save energy - According to EPA estimates, ENERGY STAR certified thermostats save an average of $90 on yearly energy bills.
- Programmable thermostat and automatic control - Create your own home, away and sleep schedules, or have Alexa automatically control the temperature with Alexa+ advanced features.
Rank #4
- Simple Manual Operation: Heagstat H705 1 Heat/1 Cool, 5-1-1Day Programmable Thermostat (Separate programs for the weekdays and weekends with 4 program periods per day including wake, leave, return and sleep). The user-friendly design is easy to operate for people of all ages
- System Compatibility: Works with conventional single-stage systems, including Forced air (gas, oil, or electric) & Ventilation & Air Conditioning. It supports up to 1 heating stage and 1 cooling stage. Please confirm your home HVAC system type before purchase to ensure full compatibility
- System Limitations: This unit does NOT work with multi-stage systems and heat pump systems (2H/1C, 2H/2C, 3H/2C, 4H/2C: Multi-Stage Heating & Cooling), PTAC units (Packaged Terminal Air Conditioners), 3-wire hydronic hot water heating systems, dual fuel/hybrid heating systems, 120-240V line voltage systems and electric baseboard heaters, mini-split heat pump air conditioners, and RV air conditioners (Mach/Roughneck series)
- No C-Wire Required Design: Dual power supply design runs on 24VAC hardwired power or 2 AAA batteries (batteries not included). Equipped with standard RH, RC, W, Y, G and C terminals. Wire Specs: Use 18-22 gauge thermostat wire. Shielded wire is not required. Easy DIY installation without professional help. It does not support W2, Y2, O/B, E, L, AUX, ACC+, ACC-, S, X and X2 terminals
- Clear & Easy-to-Read Display: Minimalist off-white body matches most home interior styles. The 4.5 sq inch backlit LCD screen delivers clear visibility under all lighting conditions. Compact dimension: 0.98 inches D x 4.72 inches W x 3.86 inches H, allowing flexible wall mounting
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
