Energy Efficient Thermostat Settings for Winter

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It’s winter! And that means low temperatures and big heating costs. If you’re looking to cut your energy bills this season without compromising comfort, this guide is for you. Well discuss how to make sure your Phoenix home stays warm without costing you an arm and a leg. With these tips, it’ll be easy to keep warm all winter long!

Lets review what temperature to set your thermostat in winter:

  • While youre home during the day.
  • While sleeping at night.
  • While youre away.

Well also review how getting a smart thermostat can keep heating bills low, as well as a few of our top energy-saving tips for cold weather.

Our Guide for Winter Thermostat Settings

You might be wondering if 70 is a good temperature for the winter. It can be, but it also varies based on your comfort level and your goals for energy efficiency. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), setting your thermostat at 68 is the best way to keep heating costs under control.

What Temperature to Set Your Thermostat in Winter During the Day

While Home

The DOE recommends 68 degrees during daytime. If youre feeling too chilly, there are a couple of other ways you can stay warm.

  • Set your ceiling fan in reverse when youre in a room. This redistributes warm air that accumulates near the ceiling.
  • Select energy-efficient window treatments, like honeycomb shades or plantation shutters. If your home has old or drafty windows, installing plastic sheeting or window blankets offers an additional barrier against the cold.
  • Maximize natural warmth by opening south-facing window treatments during daytime. Dont forget to shut them at night to reduce heat loss.

While Gone

If it dips under 30 degrees, setting your thermostat around 64-65 degrees is a smart choice while gone. Your furnace wont be heating an empty home, but itll be easy for the temperature to bounce back when you get back.

You may want to set the thermostat slightly higher if you have a dog, especially a puppy, senior dog, small dog or a dog with short hair. Between 66-67 degrees will keep them cozy and happy.

What Temperature to Set Your Thermostat in Winter at Night

Keeping your bedroom cool can help you sleep better. TheNational Sleep Foundationadvises a thermostat setting of 64-65 degrees.

That might seem too chilly if youre used to a higher temperature. If youre used to sleeping at 68 degrees, try slowly lowering it over the next couple of days and sleep with more blankets or warmer pajamas.

Additional to Reduce Energy Bills During Winter

Keeping your thermostat at the ideal temperature in the winter is a good first step to keeping energy costs down. But there are a few other steps you can take to trim your bill.

  • Upgrade your thermostat. Programmable thermostats are cheap, but most households dont have them set up properly. If yours is constantly on hold, youre at a disadvantage for energy savings. While you can get your schedule set up, it can be a time-consuming process, especially if your schedule changes from day to day. A smart thermostat can eliminate all that work because it can develop an energy-efficient heating schedule based on your routine and temperature preferences. Find out how you can get a free smart thermostat (or one at a greatly reduced cost)!
  • Change your furnace air filter regularly. A dirty air filter can cause a lot of problems for your furnace, including making it consume more energy or even causing it to malfunction. Thats why its important to replace yours every 30 days if you use a flat filter. Or every 90 days if you use a pleated filter. If you have pets or someone in your home has allergies or asthma, you may want to replace your filter more often.
  • Add more insulation. Your home is likely among the 90% in the U.S. that dont have enough attic insulation. Homes in northern climates require 16-18″, while those in southern climates need 13-14″.
  • Get a new furnace. If your HVAC system is close to 15 years old, its time to start thinking about furnace installation. Installing an ENERGY STAR® furnace can keep you comfier while keeping heating costs low. A new heating system is a major investment, but Dial One Mears Air Conditioning & Heating Inc helps make it more budget friendly through rebates, special offers and financing for qualified customers.

Whenever you have concerns about what the best temperature is to set your thermostat to, energy efficiency during cold weather or any other home comfort issues, Dial One Mears Air Conditioning & Heating Inc is here to assist you. Were the heating and cooling company your friends and neighbors have depended on since year. Call us at 602-584-2884 to request your appointment now.

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