It is a question that gets asked quite often when the cold winds start to arrive. What temperature should I set my thermostat in winter? The answer to that question will depend on several factors. However, you should know that the less you use your heater during the winter months, the lower your energy bill will be.
Of course, you will want to strike a balance between being comfortable and saving money on your energy bill. That is why finding the right temperature to set your thermostat is so important. The earlier you can make the change, the lower your energy bill will be. But what is the perfect temperature?
68 Degrees Fahrenheit (20 Celsius Degrees)
Admittedly, that may seem a bit low for some people. But most experts recommend that you set your thermostat to 68 degrees F for the winter months. This will provide enough heat to keep you warm, but not enough to push your heating unit to the point where you are losing money unnecessarily. Keep in mind that this temperature is based on several factors which contribute to your heating bill.
When You Are at and Away from Home
Just how long is your house empty each day? A typical family will be at work and school for several hours during the weekdays, leaving the home empty. Why would you want to run your heating unit at a higher temperature when no one is inside?
However, letting your home freeze when you are not there is not a good idea, either. Consider the energy it will take to heat your home back up to a comfortable temperature when you get back. It is why the question of what temperature should I set my thermostat in winter accounts for the times you are not at home. Setting it at 68 degrees F means that the home will stay at a comfortable temperature. However, it will not put too much pressure on your energy usage.
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If you have a thermostat that can be set for different times of the day, you can lower it when no one is at home. Then, you can set it to rise again an hour before you arrive. That way, you can save money on your energy bill and have a comfortable home when you get back. Smart thermostats allow you to adjust your home temperature on the your mobile phone or tablet even when you are not in.
1% Per Degree Savings
It is estimated that most people will save about 1% per degree when they lower their thermostat during the winter months. For example, if you lower your thermostat by 5 degrees F from 73 to 68, then you should save about 5% on your energy bill. This is savings that you can bank on for the winter months.
Keep in mind that there are additional factors involved in the 1% per degree savings. This includes how well insulated your home is, how many electrical devices are being used, and the energy usage of devices apart from your heating system. For example, your water heater can take up a considerable amount of energy if the setting is too high.
Consider the Benefits
In asking the question what temperature should I set my thermostat in winter, it pays to go over the advantages that occur when running your heating system less often. The most obvious benefit is the savings to your energy bill, but there are other advantages you should consider.
Less Wear & Tear
Your central air system is essentially a machine that includes parts which will wear down. Therefore, the less often you run your heating system, the less wear and tear there will be on the parts. This translates to fewer repairs which also saves you money.
It is recommended that you have your heating system serviced annually. This is done so that parts which are wearing down can be replaced. It is far better to pay a fee to have your system checked which avoids a potential breakdown on a cold night.
Long Term Savings
You can apply the principles of setting your thermostat lower in the winter by setting it a little higher in the summer. The same principle applies as you can save 1% per degree by setting it higher during the hot months of the summer.
Other Ways to Save Money
In addition to what temperature should I set my thermostat in winter, you should consider other ways of saving money during this time of the year.
Insulation
The better insulated your home, the less often the heating system will have to run. Check to see that your home has the recommended amount of insulation. Adding just a few inches can save you a considerable amount.
Fewer Door Openings
The less often you open the door, the more heat will stay in your home. Limit the number of times people come in and out of your home during the winter months. If you have a door to the garage from the outside and a door to the garage from inside the home, consider using that instead as the temperature difference will not be as great.
Bundle Up
Winter is the time of year where you can put on your favorite sweater and relax indoors. By bundling up, you can lower the temperature of your home while remaining comfortable. This way, if you want to lower it by another degree or two, you can do so while wearing additional clothing.
A word about space heaters. While they are effective at heating up small spaces, they still use a considerable amount of energy. If you use a space heater, it is best that its usage is infrequent and where there is no danger of igniting flammable materials. A space heater is at best a compliment to the heating needs of your home. It is no replacement for your central heating, central air conditioning or heating unit.
Final Word
When you ask yourself the question what temperature should I set my thermostat in winter, you should also be asking how you can save additional money by doing a few simple things around the home. Keep in mind that making small changes may add up to big savings during the coldest months of the year.
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