What’s the Ideal Temperature to Set Your Furnace This Winter?
The argument has been around for as long as modern furnaces. Winter brings cooler weather, and many people wonder what temperature to set the thermostat. It pits those who prefer to re-create the balmy, warm weather of summer against those who are more concerned with the budget. At Mike Bryant Heating & Cooling in Olathe, we think we might have an answer.
Balancing Comfort and the Budget
The biggest conundrum when it comes to the war of the thermostat is deciding which temperature is the most comfortable. The answer to this is that there is no single perfect temperature, and everyone is different. The standard is considered to be 72 degrees Fahrenheit, but there are certainly many variations on this opinion.
Best Temperature for the Budget
One of the best strategies for saving money on your heating bill is to lower the temperature when you are not at home. Smart thermostats and programmable thermostats are an excellent way to make sure that your home is comfortable when you arrive, but you do not have to heat it as much when you are away.
You do not want your house to get too cold while you are gone, especially if you have pets at home. The recommended temperature for when you are away is usually between 60 and 66 degrees. Some recommend setting your furnace as low as 55 degrees. Of course, the lower you choose to go, the more it will save on your heating bills. You can save as much as 10% a year just by turning your thermostat down by up to 10 degrees for eight hours a day.
With a smart thermostat, you can have the system turn up the temperature 30 minutes before you arrive so that your home will be warm and waiting for you. Most people consider their comfort zone to be between 68 and 72 degrees. You can also have the thermostat lower the temperature when you are sleeping with comfy quilts and duvets to keep you warm.
Other Tips to Stay Warm
In general, lowering your thermostat by one degree saves 1-3% on your heating bill. Here are a few tips for staying warm in the winter so you can enjoy the savings derived from lowering your thermostat.
Try Acclimating to the Cooler Temperature
It is every budget-minded person’s dream to be able to convince other members of the family that there are economical ways to keep warm in the winter. Over time, your body will acclimate to the cold unless you have a medical condition that would prevent it. If you start out the winter with warmer temperatures, you can gradually lower them by a degree every week until a cooler temperature feels warm to you.
Keep Your Filters Changed
If you find yourself having to turn up the thermostat to keep the room warm, the first thing you should do is to check your furnace filters. Dirty filters restrict the flow of air, which causes the furnace to work harder and your bills to rise.
Try Zone Heating
Zone heating allows you to direct the most heat to the rooms you are in while leaving the rest of the house a little cooler. Some systems have multiple thermostats for the living room and bedrooms. This could also be the perfect solution for families in which different members have different temperature preferences.
Seal Air Leaks and Add Insulation
Adding insulation and sealing air leaks is another way to get the most from your heating system. Sometimes eliminating drafts means that you can set the thermostat at a lower temperature because you cannot feel the cold air coming in.
Many people feel that 68 degrees is the perfect balance between maintaining comfort and reducing energy costs. Some people worry that turning their heat down during the day will tax their furnaces, but experts say this simply is not true. It won’t work any harder to raise the temperature prior to your arrival than it would normally.
Getting regular maintenance and a furnace tune-up will help you save on your heating bills and help your furnace keep your home at the right temperature. If you need regular maintenance or furnace repair, the experts at Mike Bryant Heating & Cooling are standing by and ready to help. We perform heating, cooling and indoor air quality installation, repair and maintenance throughout Olathe and the Kansas City, KS, area. We even fabricate sheet metal. Contact us today to discuss any of these services or schedule an appointment.
