The National Sleep Foundation recommends setting your thermostat to between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit at night for optimal sleep. The U.S. Department of Energy’s guidelines fall pretty much in the middle of that range, recommending an indoor temperature of 65 degrees Fahrenheit at night, regardless of season.

We asked our readers the best temperature to set thermostats on when it gets cold out. Opinions were mixed, but most Floridians wanted it hot.

“The smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall cooling bill will be,” the department says. “You can easily save energy in the winter by setting the thermostat to around 68°F to 70°F while you’re awake and setting it lower while you’re asleep or away from home.”

The U.S. Department of Energy recommended the ideal temperature for your thermostat in the winter, but maybe you prefer a different temperature.

With the winter weather here in Knoxville, what are ways to reduce your heating bill over the winter, and remain safe while doing so?

The Energy Department said that to save even more energy, people can lower the temperature in their homes when they are asleep or away.

Winter has kicked off and more below-freezing temps are in the forecast. See tips for most efficient thermostat temperature settings this winter.