Keeping your home overly warm in the winter will make your heating expenses shoot through the roof. You can save a ton of money with low thermostat settings. But how do you maintain low settings without sacrificing home comfort? Read on to learn more.
What Low Temperature Should You Set Your Thermostat in the Winter?
The optimal thermostat setting in the winter is the lowest temperature to which you can set the thermostat and still feel comfortable. The Department of Energy recommends a temperature of around 68 degrees while you’re awake and at home. Your home loses heat more slowly when you set it to a lower temperature than when the temperature is higher. That translates to energy savings.
At first, the temperature may seem too low. However, it will feel comfortable when your body acclimates to it over time. An excellent solution to make adjusting to the lower temperature easier is reducing the thermostat temperature gradually over time. Your body will find it easier to adjust to slightly lower temperatures. Before your body acclimates, you can use a snuggly blanket and wear warm socks and extra layers.
Turning the Temperature Down When Asleep or Away
You can save as much as 10 percent on your energy bills by turning the thermostat further down by about eight degrees for eight hours a day.
One of the best times to lower your thermostat is at night while you’re sleeping. People tend to sleep poorly in excessively warm conditions. You can set the temperature to as low as 60 degrees and get optimal sleep. You can also turn the temperature down when you’re away from home on workdays or before leaving for vacation.
Keep in mind that you won’t maximize energy savings with these tips if your heating system is running inefficiently. Even as you maintain low thermostat settings, don’t forget to have your furnace serviced every year and seal any leaks around your doors, windows, and home’s exterior. Contact Ace Hardware Home Services to help you with all your heating and cooling needs in the Dayton area.