Aiexpress – As the winter chill settles in, many homeowners crank up their heating systems to stay cozy. While comfort is subjective, experts agree on a sweet spot for your thermostat to maximize energy efficiency and maintain warmth. Here’s what professionals recommend for the ideal winter settings, along with additional energy-saving tips to keep your heating costs in check.
The Perfect Daytime Temperature
Heating experts recommend setting your thermostat to 68°F during the day when you’re home. This temperature balances comfort and cost-efficiency, keeping your living spaces warm without skyrocketing your energy bill.
For those who feel chilly at 68°F, Brad Roberson, president of Aire Serv, suggests layering up first. “If that doesn’t help, raise the thermostat by one degree for a few hours and reassess,” he advises. Small adjustments like this can help find the perfect balance without significant energy waste.
Adjusting the Temperature at Night
At night, experts suggest dialing your thermostat back by 7 to 10 degrees, settling at around 60°F to 62°F. According to Nick Barber, LLC manager at Utilities Now, “This not only saves energy but ensures you stay cozy with warm bedding or blankets.”
If you’re leaving the house for an extended period, Barber recommends dropping the temperature further to 55°F to 60°F to conserve energy while still protecting your pipes from freezing.
Enhance Efficiency with a Smart Thermostat
Managing temperature adjustments manually can be cumbersome, but a smart thermostat can make it seamless. “With a smart thermostat, you can schedule temperature changes based on your routine,” says Barber. These devices can be programmed to warm your house just before you wake up or return home, ensuring comfort without unnecessary energy use.
Some models even allow remote control via smartphone, as Roberson points out, enabling you to adjust your thermostat on the go.
Additional Tips to Save Energy This Winter
To further reduce heating costs while keeping your home comfortable, consider these expert-recommended tips:
- Seal drafts around windows and doors to prevent heat loss.
- Use sunlight: Open blinds and curtains during the day to let natural heat in, and close them at night to retain warmth.
- Target specific areas: Close vents and doors to unused rooms to focus heat where it’s needed most.
- Consider a space heater for small, frequently used areas like a home office.
- Maintain your HVAC system: Regularly clean furnace filters and schedule professional servicing to keep your system running efficiently.
- Reverse ceiling fans: Set them to rotate clockwise to circulate warm air downward.
Stay Warm and Save
By following these guidelines and optimizing your thermostat settings, you can stay comfortable this winter while minimizing energy consumption. Embrace the season with a cozy home and lower utility bills!
