When you and your family are constantly divided on the right temperature to set your thermostat at, you need to dive deeper into the topic. Since every person reacts differently to seasonal changes, their body may or may not feel that cold. Depending on that, every person has their own comfortable temperature. The outside temperature greatly impacts our moods during varying seasons, and you might feel like taking up the temperature a bit higher than required.
The downside to indoor heating during winter is the amount of energy spent every day throughout the winter months. With ever-increasing gas prices, this might not seem like a great idea. Thus, finding ways to cut down on heating costs while still finding comfortable living conditions indoors during the winter months is crucial.
Hurliman is a leading provider of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) solutions. With a wide range of products and services, we have the expertise to help you keep your home or business comfortable and energy-efficient.
What is the best temperature to set your thermostat in winter?
ENERGY STAR suggests that 68 degrees Fahrenheit is the best temperature to set your thermostat during winter. While we are used to set the thermostat at temperatures higher than this, it is important to learn about the various benefits that it brings to us.
- Setting your home thermostat at higher temperatures will force your HVAC units to overwork, especially when it is freezing outside. This will put a lot of strain on your HVAC, reducing its efficiency and causing it to last shorter than it actually can. You might then have to go for an early repair.
- Setting your thermostat at higher temperatures will not only put additional strain on your HVAC unit but also send your heating bills through the roof. Moreover, there will be a lot of operational stress on your HVAC system.
- Setting your thermostat at a modest temperature will help you reduce your energy bills and ensure that your HVAC systems last longer without any repair.
- A modest temperature setting will also provide adequate warmth and a comfortable environment and cut down on unnecessary electricity costs.
We are also used to turning up the temperature on the thermostat at night. While you may feel it is safe to do that as higher temperature settings indoors will help you sleep better, it might not be so. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the ideal temperature to set your thermostat on a winter night is 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
Since our body temperatures go down during the night, it is important to maintain a modest temperature indoors. Too cold or hot conditions indoors might mess with our internal body temperature, disrupting our sleep cycle. Thus, you might get inconsistent sleep.
What is the best temperature to set your thermostat when you are away?
You must keep your thermostat shut off while you are away on vacation until absolutely necessary. This will help you save energy significantly and also ensure that the life span of your HVAC is increased. But if you are outside and want your home warm by the time you get back, you must invest in a smart thermostat. You can access a smart thermostat remotely.
You might be on vacation, and yet you have pets or houseplants at home that you want to protect. In that case, you have to adjust the temperature settings on your thermostat accordingly. Indoor plants usually require an indoor temperature of 60 degrees Fahrenheit to stay healthy, so it’s important to set your thermostat accordingly.
When it comes to pets, 64 degrees Fahrenheit and up will make sure that your pets are comfortable and safe. This is how you can adjust the thermostat temperature and ensure that your pets and indoor plants stay comfortable and healthy.
What is the lowest temperature setting for your thermostat in winter?
It is important to know that you must set your thermostat at 50 degrees Fahrenheit and above to keep your pipes from freezing. Setting your thermostat at temperatures lower than this with the outdoors freezing will cause your pipes and appliances to freeze, causing much discomfort and hassle. You do not want that to happen.
Thus, it is a good idea to set your thermostat between 50-55 degrees if you enjoy the cold winter months. Moreover, the absence of adequate heating can cause serious damage to your property, and you want to refrain from that at all costs.
It is a great idea to invest in a smart thermostat that can be programmed or kept on autopilot to provide the ideal temperature settings and save up on energy bills. These adjust your indoor temperature accordingly and have been known to reduce heating bills by 10-12 percent every year.
Where should you install a smart thermostat?
The best location for your thermostat is towards the center of your home. This can be an interior wall or structure that is well-guarded against another heat source. This is because a heat source in the vicinity of your thermostat will make the thermostat heating less efficient. This will also make your thermostat overwork, thereby reducing its overall efficiency.
To achieve maximum efficiency, it is important to place your thermostat accordingly. Placing your thermostat at the right location will ensure you enjoy comfortable indoor living conditions without reducing efficiency.
It is important to keep the thermostat away from the following areas.
- Areas that receive direct sunlight
- Areas in the kitchen
- Areas or spaces above air vents
- Areas in the hallways
- Areas by windows or doors
Conclusion
Now that you know the best temperature to set your thermostat in winter, you can end all disputes and make sure that you enjoy comfortable indoor living conditions. However, it is important to point out that everyone’s body is different and might not necessarily agree with the mentioned ideal temperature settings. It is thus important to listen to your body and then find the temperature settings that work best for your body.
Hurliman has a team of highly skilled technicians that can handle any HVAC project, from small repairs to large installations. Don’t let HVAC issues disrupt your comfort, trust the experts at Hurlimann. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and experience the difference in service and quality.
