How Warm Should I Keep My House In The Winter?
Depending on factors such as whether or not your home is occupied and the time of day, your thermostat should be set anywhere between 66°F and 72°F. Most HVAC experts recommend these settings.
In reality, however, you probably set your thermostat based on a broad range of factors, including your personal temperature preference and the kind of clothing you are currently wearing.
Home Heating Solutions: What Temperature Should I Set My Thermostat In Winter?
Contents
The perfect thermostat setting during winter varies significantly from one individual to another. The ideal home temperature is dependent on a number of factors. Below are some essential facts on this topic:
Experiment With Various Settings To Determine Which One Works Best
According to psychological studies conducted by ASHRAE, individuals have been preconditioned to think that 72°F is the perfect room temperature for daytime. Interestingly, however, the information in certain research indicates that most participants were unable to tell whether the thermostat was set at 72° Fahrenheit or 68°F. In other words, either room temperature made the participants comfortable.
To isolate the perfect winter temperature for your home, you can complete similar experiments. For example, you can use 72°F as your starting point and then set the thermostat a few degrees lower or higher throughout the day until you find the most comfortable temperature for your dwelling during winter. By conducting your own personal study, you can avoid discomfort in your home during winter.
Also, by completing the experiment mentioned above, you can reduce your home heating costs by anywhere from 5% to 15%. For example, if you lower your thermostat by 10° to 15° for approximately eight hours a day, you can enjoy these savings. The United States Department of Energy also recommends setting your thermostat several degrees lower at night when you are sleeping, as well as during the day when the house is unoccupied. If you are somewhat forgetful and find that you cannot remember to adjust the thermostat before you leave the house, you should consider installing a programmable or smart thermostat to complete this task for you.
Minimizing Heat Loss And Monitoring Humidity Levels
To reduce the loss of heat from your dwelling, make sure that warm air does not escape through various areas of your home.
In many cases, warm air escapes through gaps and small cracks around windows, doors or other areas of the dwelling. If you seal these areas, your heating costs will be reduced.
Additionally, this will help you to enjoy a more comfortable home during cold seasons. It also improves your indoor air quality and helps to prevent the proliferation of mold.
Furthermore, you should close window treatments such as curtains and blinds at night to help insulate your home from cold windowpanes.
In addition to air leaks and cold drafts, humidity also determines the ideal temperature at which to keep your home throughout winter. For example, according to the Department of Energy, your home’s humidity levels during winter should range anywhere from 25% to 40%.
Always remember that more heat is held by humid air. Therefore, if the air within your dwelling is excessively dry, your home will feel cool. Consequently, you may raise your thermostat. Your heating system must labor more to raise the home to a comfortable temperature. This not only leads to higher heating costs but may also result in sinus problems.
Conclusion
Contrary to what many people may think, there is no set rule concerning the best temperature to place your thermostat at during winter. Ultimately, the ideal temperature for your home during winter is the one that keeps you comfortable and warm. When you set your thermostat a few degrees lower during winter, it may affect your home’s indoor comfort level. However, it will cut your heating costs. However, you can take measures to lower your energy bills without compromising the indoor comfort levels of your home. Such measures include closing window treatments, such as curtains during the night. Make sure your house is appropriately sealed and insulated. Finally, invest in a programmable or smart thermostat for your home.
R.F. Ohl is an experienced and trustworthy HVAC company that can correctly service your furnace and boiler. We employ NATE-certified technicians so that you can have peace of mind that you will receive high-quality services and products
At R.F. Ohl, we provide first-class HVAC repairs, replacements, tune-ups, and installations. Our highly trained experts are qualified to offer practical and affordable solutions. Our goal is to improve your HVAC unit’s efficiency, increase your comfort, and lower your heating costs. Contact us today for a free, in-home estimate.
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