NYSEG Advised New York Residents to Lower Thermostats
Adjusting your home temperatures this winter can help reduce energy demand and lower your monthly heating costs.
Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in Home Repair
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Is adjusting your thermostat to 65 degrees a practical way for you to lower heating costs?
New York State Electric & Gas has issued recommendations for residents to adjust their thermostat settings during the winter to combat rising heating bills. By maintaining specific temperature ranges, households could reduce their total heating demand by as much as 15%.
Why it matters
Managing heating demand is critical for homeowners looking to avoid seasonal spikes in utility expenses during colder months. These adjustments help maximize the efficiency of heating systems, which often face increased strain when managing air leaks and poor insulation.
NYSEG suggests setting thermostats to 65 degrees during the day, 65 to 70 degrees while home, and 58 degrees while sleeping or away. Residents are also advised to replace furnace air filters every one to three months to prevent efficiency loss.
The players
New York State Electric & Gas
A major utility provider serving customers across New York state with energy delivery and conservation guidance.
The details
Efficiency drops when heating systems struggle to overcome air leaks around doors and windows, which can be mitigated by applying plastic shrink-film insulation kits. High electricity consumption from space heaters further taxes utility grids, so residents should prioritize sealing cracks over supplemental heating. Annual professional furnace inspections ensure systems remain calibrated to handle winter conditions effectively.
Timeline
Winter: Heating bills typically increase during this season.
The Home Front
This guidance aligns with broader efforts to curb residential energy consumption by addressing common heat-loss points in aging housing stock. It reflects a growing industry trend toward demand-side management to mitigate the rising costs of utility infrastructure during peak winter months.
Check your thermostat settings today to ensure they align with these efficiency recommendations while the weather is mild. Additionally, schedule a professional furnace inspection and apply shrink-film insulation to any drafty windows to prepare your home for the winter heating season.
The takeaway
Proactive climate control and basic weatherization are the most effective ways to manage heating costs. Plan to replace your furnace air filter every one to three months to ensure your system continues to run efficiently throughout the winter.
Further reading
Learn more about maintaining your property's efficiency in our Home Repair section.
Live Poll
Is adjusting your thermostat to 65 degrees a practical way for you to lower heating costs?
