Iowans, what temperature do you set the heat to in the winter?

It's getting chilly in Iowa and the first frost could be right around the corner. So the age-old question returns: At what temperature should you set your heat?

About 56% of Iowans have a heater in their home, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, compared to the rest of the U.S. at only 34%.

So what is the temperature sweet spot to keep everyone in your family comfortable? Let's settle the debate.

Lowering your thermostat 5 to 8 degrees during the winter can make a big difference on your bill, MidAmerican Energy said online, noting that 68 degrees in the winter should be your typical setting.

Similarly, the Iowa Utilities Commission estimates that you can save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling by turning your thermostat back 7 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit for eight hours a day from its normal setting.

The federal Department of Energy recommends setting the temperature to what you find comfortable. It reminds people that the smaller the difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower the overall heating bill will be.

In the summer, 74 degrees was the most popular temperature, according to an informal Register poll. About 18% of online respondents selected that temperature. About half of respondents selected a temperature between 72 and 75 degrees.

But, what about the heat? Do you follow expert advice, or warm the house to your liking?

We want to know what Iowans think. Vote in the poll below:

The federal Department of Energy recommends a few tips that can be used on a daily basis to increase savings of money and energy.

Victoria Reyna-Rodriguez is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter @VictoriaReynaR.