Most Canadian households heat to about 21°C, and lowering the thermostat by even 1°C saves roughly 2% of heating energy over an eight-hour period, according to Natural Resources Canada. A common plan is to keep the home comfortable while you are up (about 20 to 21°C), and turn it down at night and when you are away. Statistics Canada modelling found that dropping the night setting to 18°C cut natural gas use by about 6.5%. Do not set the thermostat below about 12°C in freezing weather, because pipes can freeze.
PCBy the Pixl Canada install team. Updated . 6 min read.
- Settings by time of day in one table
- How much each degree saves
- What to do when you are away
- A smart thermostat does it automatically
- About 21°C is the Canadian household average. Each degree lower saves about 2% over eight hours.
- A night setback to 18°C saved about 6.5% of natural gas in a Statistics Canada model.
- Keep the home above about 12°C in freezing weather to protect pipes.
- A smart thermostat schedules the changes for you.
What temperature should you set the thermostat to in winter?
There is no single right number, because comfort, insulation and your heating system differ. A practical plan is to pick a comfortable daytime temperature, then lower it when nobody needs it warm.
| When | Suggested setting | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Home and awake | About 20 to 21°C | Comfortable, near the Canadian average of 21°C |
| Sleeping | About 17 to 18°C | Most people sleep well cooler, and it saves energy |
| Away at work (8 hours or more) | About 17 to 18°C | Saves energy when nobody is home |
| Away for days in freezing weather | Not below about 12°C | Protects pipes from freezing |
Heat pumps and electric baseboard heaters behave differently from furnaces, so check your system’s guidance. See baseboard heater thermostats.
How much does each degree save?
| Change | Estimated saving |
|---|---|
| 1°C lower for 8 hours | About 2% of heating energy (Natural Resources Canada) |
| Night setting at 18°C instead of 22°C | About 6.5% less natural gas, 0.8% less electricity (Statistics Canada model) |
| Night and daytime-away setting at 16°C | About 13% less natural gas, 2.3% less electricity (Statistics Canada model) |
Savings are larger in colder weather, when the furnace runs longer. Your actual savings depend on your home and system.
What should the thermostat be set to when you are away?
For a day at work, a setback of a few degrees is common. For a trip in freezing weather, do not drop below about 12°C, and ask your heating contractor or insurer for specifics. If your home has older pipes on exterior walls, keep it a little warmer.
Can a smart thermostat do this for you?
Yes. A smart thermostat follows a schedule and can adjust when you leave or arrive. Many need a C-wire for steady power: see the C-wire guide and how to install a thermostat. Pixl installs a smart thermostat for $129, plus $50 if your furnace needs a C-wire power adapter, before tax. You pay after the job. See smart thermostat installation.
Winter thermostat settings: frequently asked questions
What is the best thermostat setting in winter?
About 20 to 21°C when you are home and awake, and lower at night and when you are away.
How much does lowering the thermostat save?
About 2% of heating energy per degree over eight hours, according to Natural Resources Canada.
What temperature should I set when I am away?
A few degrees lower for a day. In freezing weather do not go below about 12°C.
Is it cheaper to leave the heat on low or turn it off?
Turning it down while away saves energy. Turning it fully off in freezing weather risks frozen pipes.
What temperature is best for sleeping?
Many people sleep well at about 17 to 18°C.
Can Pixl install a smart thermostat?
Yes, for $129 before tax, plus $50 if a C-wire adapter is needed. You pay after the job.
Want it to adjust itself?
Smart thermostat installation $129, before tax. Send a photo of your wiring. You pay after the job.
How to install a thermostat
Thermostat wiring explained
C-wire guide
Which smart thermostat for your system
Smart thermostat rebates in Canada
Sources and method. Natural Resources Canada tip of about 2% per degree over eight hours, as reported in its energy-saving advice. Statistics Canada, Controlling the Temperature in Canadian Homes, using a 22°C daytime benchmark. Results vary by home and system. Pixl prices were checked in October 2026, in Canadian dollars, before tax.
About Pixl Canada. Pixl Canada is an installation company based in Edmonton, Alberta, serving cities across Canada with TV mounting, security cameras, appliance installation and smart home setup. Call or text (587) 899-7495. Open Monday to Saturday 8am to 8pm and Sunday 9am to 7pm.