There is another cold snap coming Wednesday eveningbut overall it is expected to be a mild winter for the Sunshine State, with average temperatures above normal in most areas. But it may seem it’s quite cold Thursday morningwith temperatures in the 30s in North Florida (and near freezing in the Tallahassee area), in the 30s and 40s in Central Florida, and in the 40s and 50s in South Florida . Chances are you can turn on your heating.

Which raises the age-old question: what temperature should you set your thermostat in winter in Florida?

It depends on your personal choice, your comfort and health, and possibly what you can afford.

According to a report published by the National Energy Assistance Director Association in October, the average cost of home heating using electricity, natural gas, oil and propane is expected to increase by about 10.5% nationally this winter. The average American household is expected to pay between $644 and $1,963 in heating costs between October and March.

Of course, it shouldn’t be that bad here. The forecast for the southern region is for an average of $527 for natural gas, $1,288 for electricity and $1,288 for propane for the same period, an average increase of 9.7%.

When is it time to turn on the heat in your house?

While it’s ultimately a personal choice, most experts recommend turning on your home’s heat when the outdoor temperature is below 55 or 50 degrees, or when the indoor temperature drops below of 64 degrees.

This can change depending on whether there are children or elderly people in the home, the quality of your home’s insulation, and your personal comfort level.

What is the best temperature to set your thermostat to in winter in Florida?

Most people feel comfortable at temperatures between 68 and 72 degrees. According to the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable EnergyYou can save energy in the winter by keeping the thermostat closer to 68 degrees when you’re awake.

When you’re sleeping or away from home, the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy recommends setting it lower, either manually or with a programmable thermostat. DirectEnergy.com suggests 66 to 62 degrees for these times, so your heat doesn’t kick on when it’s not needed.

“You can save up to 10% per year on heating and cooling by simply setting your thermostat 7° to 10° F for 8 hours per day from its normal setting,” the department said on its website.

The World Health Organization recommended maintain indoor temperature between 64 and 75 degrees for healthy people. But for those who are very young, elderly or have health problems, the minimum temperature should not fall below 68 degrees, the organization says.

What temperature do you keep your thermostat on in winter?

In the unscientific poll we ran last month, most of our readers liked it hot. 74 or more, according to 20.79% of the 428 readers who responded as of December 11.

Then there is a back and forth, as if the readers are fighting over the setting. Next comes 68 degrees, chosen by 18.22% of voters. Then 72, for 17.29% of you. Then 70, then 73.

The least popular choice? 69 degrees, with 3.97%. Even 64 or less got more votes. What temperature do you set your thermostat to when it’s cold outside?

To help you minimize your heating bill, here are some tips from Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy:

• If you have a programmable thermostat, set it as low as possible and lower it again when you’re sleeping or away from home.

• Clean or replace the filters in your central heating or furnace once a month, or as recommended by the manufacturer.

• Make sure the vents in your home are not blocked by furniture or clogged with debris.

• Turn off kitchen, bathroom and other exhaust fans within 20 minutes of finishing cooking or bathing. When replacing exhaust fans, consider installing high-efficiency, quiet models.

• During the winter, keep the drapes and blinds on your south-facing windows open during the day to allow sunlight into your home and closed at night to reduce the cold you may feel from the windows cold.

You should also have your heating system inspected and cleaned by a professional. Better to catch any problems now and perform preventative maintenance before it shuts down on a freezing night.

How to keep cold air out

There are also steps you can take to reduce the strain on your heating system by preventing cold air from entering the home.

• If your windows need to be replaced, Consumer Reporters Recommends Consider low-emissivity (low-e) storm windows, which are coated to help keep heat inside.

• Block cold air entering under your home’s doors with a draft stopper or even a rolled up towel.

Contributor: Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Best Temperature to Set Florida Thermostats When It’s Cold