As winter arrives, the days grow shorter, and the nights chillier. While it’s tempting to turn up the thermostat to stay warm, doing so without consideration can lead to higher energy bills. Follow the guide below to find the perfect thermostat temperature setting for both comfort and cost savings.
What is the right temperature to set the thermostat in winter?
Choosing a comfortable home temperature is a matter of personal preference. Still, for efficient energy use, the Department of Energy suggests keeping the thermostat temperature at approximately 68°F to 70°F while you’re awake and lowering it when you’re asleep or away from home.
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What is the safest and most energy-efficient temperature for your home and appliances?
According to Angie Hicks, Chief Customer Officer with Angi, for the most precise understanding of the energy-efficient and safe temperature for your home, it’s advisable to refer to the owner’s manual for your heating and cooling system or have a discussion with a service technician.
“Most systems provide optimum temperature ranges to ensure efficient energy usage,” she explains. “Furthermore, for the safety of your home, it’s essential to maintain your heating system regularly.” Consulting these resources can help you fine-tune your thermostat settings for both efficiency and safety.
Moreover, increasing the heat in a home with a dirty furnace and obstructed vents can potentially create a fire hazard. Angie Hicks emphasizes the importance of keeping your furnace clean and ensuring that vents remain free from dust and debris.
She also highlights the significance of system age, recommending that if your heating system is more than 15 years old, it might be prudent to explore the installation of a high-efficiency replacement. Lastly, to prevent the inconvenience of dealing with frozen pipes, Hicks stresses the need to maintain the indoor temperature at a minimum of 55°F during the winter months. This can help safeguard your home and plumbing from the risks associated with extreme cold.
How does the thermostat temperature setting affect your bills in the winter?
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, one energy-saving strategy is to set your thermostat back by 10 to 15 degrees for eight hours at a time during the heating season. This simple adjustment can lead to significant savings, potentially reducing heating bills by 5-15 percent each year.
In addition to thermostat adjustments, there are several other steps you can take to impact your energy bill during the winter months. Angie Hicks recommends starting with a routine HVAC maintenance inspection, emphasizing that energy-saving tips are most effective when your system is operating efficiently from the start.
Checking for drafts is another crucial step. Ensuring that there are no gaps in windows, doors, and other openings helps maintain a comfortable indoor environment. Hicks also advises changing air filters every two or three months, or as per the manufacturer’s recommendations, during the winter season. Once the filters are replaced, it’s essential to keep vents clear of obstructions like drapes, bookshelves, and rugs, which might impede proper airflow. These practices can collectively contribute to a more energy-efficient and cost-effective home heating system.
Can you use your AC in the winter?
Using your air conditioning (AC) system year-round can be feasible, provided that the outdoor temperature remains above the recommended operating range, which is usually around 60 degrees. Angie Hicks also notes that AC manuals often specify a minimum temperature for using the unit. Adhering to these guidelines ensures that your AC functions optimally and avoids potential issues associated with very low temperatures.
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How do you know your heater unit is working the way it should?
Austyn Hoelter, a merchant at The Home Depot in Atlanta, Georgia, suggests that there are several factors to consider when determining if your heating unit needs repair. He emphasizes that heating and air conditioning systems may occasionally need repair rather than replacement, highlighting the importance of assessing the specific needs of your system before making a decision. This evaluation can help ensure that you make the most cost-effective and appropriate choice for your home’s heating and cooling needs.
According to Austyn Hoelter, here are the tell-tale signs that indicate you may need to service your HVAC system:
- The system is leaking around the outside unit.
- The air entering the house isn’t reaching the desired temperature, whether it’s not cool enough during the summer or not warm enough in winter.
- The unit is short-cycling, constantly turning on and off.
- Consistently using the system results in higher-than-normal energy bills.
- There is excessive noise during start-up and operation.
If any of these issues are occurring, it’s advisable to reach out to a professional technician to service your HVAC unit. By proactively addressing these concerns and staying on top of HVAC maintenance and temperature settings, you can save money in both the short-term and long-term, ensuring efficient and cost-effective heating and cooling for your home.