Posted: December 19, 2022 at 10:10 am
By: Lakes Region HVAC
Every year as the temperature drops, many homeowners find that their energy bills do the opposite. While there are many ways in which you can save money on your energy bills, finding the ideal indoor temperature is about more than saving money. In the winter months, staying warm is a top priority for most. Home and business owners alike are posed with the challenge of balancing energy usage and comfort, all while taking care not to overwork their HVAC system.
There is no "correct" temperature for a heating system to be set to in the winter. The temperature that's right for you is highly personal. However, there are steps you can take, and resources you can use, to find your ideal setting. The first step in finding the right temperature for your home is to start at 68° and adjust incrementally from there. Depending on humidity levels, most people find this temperature to be comfortable. Beginning at 68°and then adjusting up or down by a degree or two allows you to adapt to your needs incrementally without putting strain on your system (or your wallet). If saving money is your primary concern, according to the Department of Energy, you can save up to 10% a year on your heating and cooling bills when you set back the thermostat 7-10 degrees from your typical setting for 8 hours a day.
For comfort and safety, keep your home at different temperatures depending on the time of the day. Once you have found a comfortable temperature for the daytime, you can follow the same steps stated above to find the best temperature while sleeping. Begin by adjusting your thermostat down a degree and go from there. Healthline suggests that a range between 60 and 67°F is ideal for sleeping conditions.
Drastically shifting your thermostat is bad for any HVAC unit and can cause a spike in your energy bills. However, most homes are equipped with either a programmable or smart thermostat. You can set a programmable thermostat to different temperatures throughout the day and week, so you won't have to fidget with the thermostat. Programmable thermostats are particularly helpful if you work elsewhere and don't want to heat an empty house yet still want to come home to a comfortable space. If you’re looking to upgrade your thermostat, smart thermostats will allow for the most customization to ensure comfort and savings. Smart thermostats work by “learning” your temperature preferences and automatically adjusting to your4chedulee. This includes using energy-saving temperatures for the times you are sleeping or out of your home. You can also adjust your smart thermostat from anywhere in the world (with Wi-Fi). Any variety of programmable or smart thermostats will gradually increase or decrease the temperature, which is what every home or business owner should aim to do for energy efficiency and to prolong the life of your HVAC system.
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