In this article…
- Is There An Ideal Temperature To Keep Your Thermostat At During The Winter?
- What To Consider To Find Your Perfect Temperature
- Risks Of Overrunning Your Heater In The Winter
- Tips For Staying Warm and Conserving Energy During The Winter
- Maintaining The Ideal Temperature In Your Home This Winter
For Texas homeowners, January and February tend to be the coldest months of the year. We’re used to wearing shorts on Christmas Day and look forward to the occasional chilly night when we can light a bonfire and enjoy some winter weather.
Although it can be hard to stay patient for colder temperatures to arrive, it gives you more time to prepare.
One of the age-old debates most homeowners encounter with their families is what temperature to set the thermostat to, especially once it dips below 60 degrees.
Some like it warm and would prefer the heater is set above 70 degrees while others hold off on turning their heat on for as long as possible. This begs the question – is there an ideal temperature you should set your thermostat to during the winter?
At Wright Home Services, we understand how up and down winter temperatures can be frustrating and especially confusing for your HVAC system because we’re homeowners too.
Since 1979, we’ve been helping San Antonio homeowners stay warm and comfortable all winter long by providing expert repair and replacement services along with educational resources to answer all your questions.
When constant cool temperatures remain, you want to know what temperature is ideal to set your thermostat to keep you and your family comfortable and your system running smoothly, which is exactly what we’ll explore in this article.
Is There An Ideal Temperature To Keep Your Thermostat At During The Winter?
Staying warm and comfortable while also using your heater wisely and efficiently is important all winter long. So, you want to know what the ideal temperature is to keep your thermostat set.
The U.S. Department of Energy suggests setting your thermostat to 68°F during the day when you’re home and awake. This temperature provides a good balance between comfort and energy efficiency.
You can lower your thermostat by 7-10 degrees at night and when you’re away to save on heating costs, especially if you go on an extended vacation. This simple adjustment can reduce your energy bill by up to 10% annually, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
While this is the ideal temperature to keep your thermostat at during the winter, it all depends on you and your family’s comfort needs (which we’ll get into in the next section).
What To Consider To Find Your Perfect Temperature
Finding the perfect temperature for your home depends on a variety of factors, such as your family’s preference, outdoor climate, and more.
68°F is a great starting point, but every household’s needs vary. Here are a few things to keep in mind to find your perfect temperature.
- Household Members: If you have younger children, elderly relatives, or anyone sensitive to colder temperatures, you may need to keep the thermostat slightly higher. Or if your family collectively enjoys having the house warmer or cooler, you can come to a consensus on the ideal thermostat setting.
- Humidity Levels: Dry air can make cooler temperatures feel colder. If you live in an area with low humidity levels, using a humidifier can help your home feel warmer without needing to raise the heat. This means you can keep your thermostat at a lower temperature.
- Home Insulation: Well-insulated homes retain heat better, allowing you to set the thermostat lower while maintaining the warmth of your home.
Here are some other tips to help maintain the temperature of your home and your family’s comfort all winter long.
- Use a Programmable Thermostat: A programmable or smart thermostat can be a game-changer for managing your home’s temperature efficiently. Set it to automatically lower the heat while you’re sleeping or away and raise it before you wake up or return home.
- Utilize Portable Heaters: If your family has different heating preferences, keeping the thermostat at a cooler temperature and utilizing portable space heaters lets each individual customize how much warmth they like.
- Partially Close Vents in Unused Rooms: Partially closing vents in unused rooms or in rooms where some prefer it cooler will allow you to use your heater less and conserve energy throughout the winter.
By considering these few things in your household and utilizing energy-conserving tips, you can find the ideal temperature to set your thermostat to during cold winter days and ensure the comfort and safety of your family.
Risk Of Overrunning Your Heater In The Winter
For some homeowners, 68°F may seem a little cool when temperatures are near freezing outside. For others, this temperature may be a little too warm.
If you lean towards wanting your home warmer, like in the mid-70s, it’s important to understand why there is a lower optimal temperature to protect your heater and not overrun your HVAC system.
Overworking your heater during the winter can result in costly damages, such as
- Needing frequent repairs and replacements of various parts
- Short-circuiting your unit
- Having no heating for a while
- Requiring a full-system replacement before the summer
Constantly running your heater at a high temperature will most likely lead to these issues, compromising your comfort and costing you more in the long run.
Tips for Staying Warm and Conserving Energy During The Winter
Staying warm and comfortable doesn’t have to mean constantly running your heater and racking up energy bills.
If you’re keeping the thermostat lower to save energy, here are a few tips to stay warm and cozy.
- Seal Drafts: Use weather stripping or draft stoppers to prevent cold air from seeping in through doors and windows as these are the silent killer of warmth.
- Reverse Ceiling Fans: Set ceiling fans to rotate clockwise to push warm air back down into the room. This easy switch can make a noticeable difference.
- Use the Sun: Open curtains during the day to let in natural warmth and close them at night to retain heat. You may also want to use thermal curtains or thick drapes for extra insulation.
- Keep Doors Closed: Shut the doors to unused rooms to concentrate heat where it’s needed most.
- Keep Oven Open After Baking: If you use your oven frequently, remember to keep the door cracked once you’re done using it to let it warm up your home.
Maintaining The Ideal Temperature In Your Home This Winter
Now you know why keeping your thermostat around 68°F is ideal for maintaining the comfort of your home without overworking your HVAC system along with some energy-saving tips to stay warm and comfortable all winter long.
Finding the right temperature for your home doesn’t have to be difficult. Considering your family’s preferences, how well your home is insulated, and humidity levels in your area will help you decide what temperature is best to stay comfortable.
If your home feels cold despite setting the thermostat correctly, your HVAC system may need the help of a professional, especially if your system is over 10 years old.
Preventative maintenance and routine care are essential to keep your system running smoothly and last for years, and keeping your thermostat at the right temperature is just one simple tip.
To ensure your heater is ready for the peak winter months, check out this article that outlines seven furnace maintenance and safety tips, like changing air filters, checking the pilot light, and more.
Then you’ll be well prepared for the harsh winter temperatures to come and can be sure your heater will continue to keep you and your family warm.
Do You Need A Winter Heater Tune-Up?
At Wright Home Services, we understand how freezing temperatures can sneak up on us South Texas homeowners. One day, you’ll be enjoying the outdoors at 75 degrees and the next pulling out your winter coat to walk the dog.
Because of the varying temperatures we experience all year round, it’s crucial to make sure your HVAC system is ready for anything, and we’re here to help.
Our experienced, certified technicians will properly care and diagnose any issue with your system and provide you with a high-quality tune-up to ensure your heater is ready to take on the cold.
Schedule your seasonal tune-up with Wright Home Services today and get the peace of mind you deserve! Treating People Wright Since 1979!
