Understanding home thermostat settings

Setting your thermostat just right controls the temperature in your home but also impacts your winter energy expenses. That makes it worth examining. It turns out adjusting your thermostat by just one degree can significantly impact your bill. Where should you draw the line as far as home temperature control goes?

Basics

For most people, setting the thermostat to 68°F in winter and 78°F during the summer strikes a good balance between comfort and energy efficiency. A modern take on adjusting the thermostat is a programmable model, a “smart thermostat,” that allows you to set your temperature during different times of day or even days of the week. That can ensure you're only using energy when you need it. Imagine waking up to a warm house without having to run the heater all night or coming home to a cool space without leaving the air conditioner on all day.

Efficient thermostat settings mean dynamic thermostat settings. As seasons change, so should your approach to temperature control. That’s heating system efficiency.

Winter thermostat setting recommendations

As the chill of winter wraps around us, finding that sweet spot for your climate at home becomes a priority. Here are some ideas for approaching energy-saving thermostat settings.

• Daytime delight: When you're home and active, setting your thermostat to 68°F usually hits the mark for comfort and energy savings. It's the ideal balance for staying cozy without overworking your heating system.
• Embrace the cool: Lowering your thermostat by 7-10 degrees for the periods when you're asleep or out of the house can significantly reduce your energy bill. Consider something around 58-60°F during these times. This small adjustment can lead to savings of up to 10% annually on heating.
• Smart thermostats: Investing in a smart thermostat can be a game-changer. These devices adjust your home's temperature based on your schedule, ensuring comfort when you need it and savings when you don't.
• Seal the deal: Ensure your home is well-insulated and that windows and doors are sealed properly to keep the warm air in and the cold air out. This can make a significant difference in maintaining your desired temperature efficiently.
• Upgrade insulation: Improving your home's insulation keeps the warmth inside and reduces the demand on your heating system. Consider adding insulation to attics, basements, and other areas prone to heat loss.
• Layer up and use warm accessories: Wearing warmer clothing indoors allows you to keep the thermostat at a lower setting. Cozy sweaters, thick socks, and warm blankets can make a big difference in how comfortable you feel.

Have a heat pump?

Special considerations for heat pumps

Heat pumps can be a fantastic way to keep your home warm during the winter, offering an energy-efficient alternative to traditional heating systems. Heat pumps work differently from conventional heaters, transferring heat from outside into your home. Even when it's cold outside, there's still enough ambient heat for the heat pump to work efficiently.

For their best use, here are some things to consider.

Maintain a steady temperature

Heat pumps are most efficient when maintaining a steady temperature; frequently changing the thermostat setting can cause the system to work harder. That’s likely to reduce its efficiency. Aim to keep your thermostat set at a comfortable level, such as 68°F, throughout the winter.

Be mindful of the defrost cycle

In colder weather, frost can accumulate on an outdoor unit. Heat pumps automatically enter a defrost cycle to clear this buildup. During this cycle, it's normal for the system to temporarily switch to auxiliary heating modes, which might be less efficient. Understanding this process can help you avoid unnecessary concern about your system's operation.

Use supplemental heating wisely

On exceptionally cold days, your heat pump is likelier to activate its auxiliary heating element to maintain comfort. While effective, this mode uses more energy. To avoid this, consider supplementing your space with other heat sources, like space heaters.

Regular maintenance is key

Ensure your heat pump receives professional maintenance before the start of the winter season. A well-maintained unit operates more efficiently and is less likely to encounter issues during peak usage times.

Embrace smart thermostat technology

A smart thermostat can make managing your heat pump's efficiency nearly effortless. By learning your schedule and adjusting the thermostat accordingly, you can reduce unnecessary energy use.

With good heat pump practices, you can enjoy a warm, comfortable home with improved energy efficiency. Heat pumps are a testament to how innovative technology can power, protect and simplify our lives, even in the depths of winter.

Your home’s ideal temperature range ­­­­in the winter

As the winter season unfolds, finding that perfect temperature setting is about more than just keeping the chill at bay; it's about creating a warm, inviting space where you can relax and unwind knowing your energy cost is under control. Let's explore how you can pinpoint your ideal temperature range this winter.

A good starting point

The consensus among energy experts is that setting your thermostat to 68°F when you're home and awake provides a good balance of comfort and energy efficiency. Your ideal range may vary based on personal preference, home insulation and the type of heating system you have, but this can be a starting point.

Making adjustments

If the thermostat reads 68°F and you find yourself reaching for a blanket, try increasing the temperature by one degree at a time until you reach a comfort zone. While doing so, remember that each degree above 68°F can significantly increase your heating costs, so consider wearing warmer clothing indoors.

Asleep or away

Lowering your thermostat by 7-10 degrees for 8 hours a day, such as during work hours or when you're tucked in bed, can help you save up to 10% a year on heating. A setting between 58-60°F is often comfortable for sleeping, especially with warm bedding.

Considerations for different households

Households with elderly residents, infants or individuals with certain medical conditions might require a warmer setting to ensure not just comfort but also healthy conditions. If you have pets, their comfort is probably a consideration as well. Most pets are comfortable in the same temperature range as humans, but make sure to provide warm bedding or a cozy spot away from drafts for them.

When you optimize your heating settings, you're contributing to energy conservation and sustainability, which benefits not just your household but the environment as well.

Smart moves beyond thermostat settings

With a bit of strategy, you can enjoy a cozy home and keep your energy costs in check. Let's explore how you can save on heating bills before you even activate your home’s HVAC system.

• Draft-proof your home: Check for drafts around windows, doors, and any other areas where cold air might enter. Use weather stripping, caulking, or draft stoppers to seal these leaks and keep the warm air inside where it belongs.
• Utilize the sun's natural warmth by opening curtains during the day: Take advantage of sunny days by letting natural sunlight heat your home. Just remember to close window treatments as the sun sets to keep the warmth inside.
• Schedule regular maintenance: Having regular professional checkups for your system can make your system more efficient over the long term. A professional can diagnose and repair breakdowns, and often prevent them in the first place. When your system runs more smoothly, the chance for lower heating bills improves.
• Change filters regularly: A dirty filter can restrict airflow, forcing your heating system to work harder. Changing your filters regularly can improve efficiency and extend the life of your system.
• Upgrade insulation: Improving your home's insulation keeps the warmth inside and reduces the demand on your heating system. Consider adding insulation to attics, basements, and other areas prone to heat loss.
• Layer up and use warm accessories: Wearing warmer clothing indoors allows you to keep the thermostat at a lower setting. Cozy sweaters, thick socks, and warm blankets can make a big difference in how comfortable you feel.
• Invest in a smart thermostat: Smart thermostats adjust your home's temperature based on your habits and preferences, optimizing energy use without sacrificing comfort.

Saving on heating bills is not just about cutting costs; it's about embracing a more sustainable lifestyle. By optimizing your energy use, you're contributing to a healthier planet and ensuring a warm, comfortable home for generations to come.

Why your thermostat setting matters: the impact on your comfort, health and wallet

The way we manage our thermostats is a reflection of how we balance our priorities—comfort, health and financial well-being. By making thoughtful adjustments to our thermostat settings, we can create a living space that supports our well-being while being kind to our planet and our pockets.