In winter, the thermostat’s settings will ultimately be your personal decision. But to stay comfortable without incurring exorbitant bills, consider adjusting the configurations on your thermostat. In this article, we will explore thermostat settings for different situations during the cold season.
Ideal Temperatures in Winter
The goal of adjusting your thermostat is to reduce your energy consumption without compromising your comfort. The setting may vary depending on whether you are home, on vacation, or asleep.
According to the Department of Energy, the best temperature range when at home is between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. You can start at 72 degrees while aiming to lower it down closer to 68 degrees Fahrenheit.
In a home with multiple occupants, it can be challenging to stick to one setting. Other people in your home may have varying preferences. So, you can start with the higher setting and lower it by one degree every day.
By maintaining the lower setting for eight hours, you can reduce energy consumption by 1%. You can continue lowering the temperature every day until you find the best configurations for everyone’s comfort.
Best Thermostat Settings While Asleep
When you are sleeping, consider turning down the thermostat by a few degrees. The recommended setting is between 62 and 66 degrees Fahrenheit.
High temperatures can cause discomfort, forcing you to toss and turn while sleeping. The temperature range between 62 and 66 degrees encourages deep sleep. That is when your cells and tissue regenerate, and your body undergoes the healing process.
High temperatures outside the recommended range can also make you wake up feeling tired and lethargic. A colder indoor atmosphere is better for sleeping. But even colder temperatures below 62 degrees can keep you awake.
What to Set the Thermostat at When Away
If you are going on a vacation, you can lower the furnace temperatures by a few degrees. While turning off the furnace may seem like a good idea, there are several factors you should consider.
Low temperatures of 30 degrees and below in Outagamie County can damage your plumbing. Ice expands as it cools, rupturing pipes in the process. You don’t want to return to find a flooded basement and defective appliances.
Keep in mind that cold temperatures can ruin your houseplants. A setting of 50 degrees is the lower limit if you’ll be leaving an empty house. Below that setting, plants and temperature-sensitive appliances can be harmed.
Last but not least, ensure you close off areas that do not require heating to save on energy. But don’t close off the interior vents as blockages can affect airflow. If you have concerns about the efficiency of your system, you can consult Black-Haak’s team in Greenville.
Temperature Considerations for Pets
The ideal temperature for pets will vary depending on their sizes and weight, among other factors. Small animals tend to prefer higher temperatures since their bodies lose heat at a much faster rate. Generally speaking, the setting should be between 68 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Animals with thick coats prefer lower temperatures. To find the best settings, start with the lowest temperature and increase by one degree. Pay attention to signs of discomfort such as panting or a rapid heart rate.
Older pets or animals with health conditions are more sensitive to temperature changes. Therefore, you will need a reliable way of regulating temperatures. Consider installing a programmable device if you don’t have one.
Why Use a Programmable Thermostat?
Whether going on a vacation or choosing temperatures for your pets, a programmable device is essential. Programmable thermostats can regulate temperatures based on a pre-set schedule.
You don’t have to change the settings manually. The thermostat will adjust depending on the profile you choose.
For example, you can set the thermostat to lower the temperatures when you walk out in the morning. You can program it to warm the interior half an hour before you return at the end of the day. That way, you will eliminate errors and improve its accuracy for optimum energy efficiency.
You can also make changes while you are in your bedroom or away on vacation. Through Wi-Fi, you can adjust the temperature to levels suitable for your pets.
Implications of Your Thermostat’s Location
Your thermostat is the control center of your heating system. If it records incorrect readings, it can make your furnace run overtime, wasting a lot of energy in the process.
One factor that can impact temperature readings is the location of the thermostat. At Black-Haak, we advise our Greenville clients to place the device away from ambient heat sources.
Your thermostat should be in an area that reflects the atmosphere of the rest of the room. Placing it in direct sunlight will raise the readings and the performance of your furnace. Also, keep the thermostat away from other heat sources such as electronics, stoves, and space heaters.
Consider Zoning Your Home
Zoning is another way you can regulate temperatures more precisely throughout your home. It typically involves establishing areas with unique temperatures settings.
You can use zoning when you have rooms in your home that are often unoccupied. Each section has a dedicated thermostat. This means that you don’t have to heat unused areas to the same temperature as other living spaces.
Establishing zones is also a great way to address hot and cold spots in your home. Uneven temperatures across the building can impact your comfort and energy usage.
Zoning will also enable you to set unique temperatures for places with pets or houseplants. The bedroom could have temperatures ideal for sleeping to avoid adjusting the thermostat. You can enhance your comfort without raising your home’s energy demands.
Additionally, your equipment will only run when there is a need for heating. As a result, your furnace will not be exposed to rapid deterioration. You can, therefore, extend the life of your equipment and save on repairs. Talk to Black-Haak’s team in Greenville for energy-saving solutions for your home.
Enhancing Energy Efficiency in Winter
The efficiency of your furnace is a crucial factor for your winter comfort in Greenville. An aging or malfunctioning system will have to work hard to heat your home sufficiently. Annual maintenance can improve the performance of your equipment.
HVAC system professionals recommend scheduling a tune-up service in the fall before winter starts. That way, your system will be ready for the cold season.
Maintenance involves cleaning components, troubleshooting, and fixing your equipment. A certified furnace technician has the experience to detect issues within your system. You can address the faults before they become issues that are too expensive to repair.
Additionally, a certified technician can provide insights on how to improve energy efficiency and comfort. For example, parts of your home might need an insulation upgrade. A technician will advise you on the best insulation to choose for your climate.
Additionally, manufacturers only acknowledge maintenance or repair work done by a certified technician. Otherwise, you can void your warranty, which covers expensive components of your system.
If you are looking for heating installation, maintenance, or repair services in Greenville, you can turn to Black-Haak. We are a family-owned and -operated business with seven decades of experience serving the Fox Valley area. Our BBB A+ rated team can also provide indoor air quality, geothermal, and AC solutions. We offer priority scheduling and same-day services. You can contact us today for a 100% satisfaction guarantee.