How often do you adjust your thermostat daily during the winter? Do you raise and lower the temperature on a whim or do other people in your household change it when your back is turned? Consciously setting your thermostat during specific times of day can directly impact your heating bill, your health and benefit the environment. Take this advice from Air Tech of Humble and consider adjusting your thermostat habits.
The Perfect Winter Indoor Temperature
The U.S. Department of Energy recommends a temperature setting of 68°F when you are at home. When your household is sleeping, it is recommended to lower the temperature a few more degrees–to about 65°F. If your home is empty during the day, a temperature of 65°F is also recommended. Unless you live with infants or elderly folks, these cooler temperatures are a reasonable setting. Finally, if you’re going to be away from your home during the winter for an extended period of time, consider lowering your thermostat setting to 55°F. In general, the temperature of your home can be lowered by 7°F-10°F at night or while no one is home during the day. Maintaining the temperature this way has a number of different benefits for you and your household.
Benefits of Stable Thermostat Settings
Lowering the temperature in your home by a few degrees for a period of 8 hours can make a noticeable difference in your life. You can look forward to more than a lower energy bill by making this small adjustment. In addition to your finances, your health, carbon footprint and familial relationships can all be impacted by this new habit.
Financial Benefits
Lower utility costs. By not routinely adjusting your thermostat manually, your home maintains a more constant temperature throughout the day. Your heater is not randomly using different amounts of energy at various times and driving utility costs up in an effort to keep up with fluctuating demands.
Furnace lifespan. Forcing your heater to repeatedly turn off and on or heat your empty house results in more wear and tear on the unit. By lowering the temperature setting and being mindful of when the house is empty, your heater can work more efficiently for years to come.
Health Benefits
Better sleep. Setting your thermostat lower in the winter by as little as one degree can result in better quality sleep. Your core temperature naturally drops before it’s time to sleep, so cooling your space before bed may help with temperature regulation.
Less household illness. If the temperature in your home is always fluctuating between extremes, it can dehumidify the air, which can trigger an immune system response. A slightly cooler, constant temperature in your home decreases these risks.
Environmental Benefits
Energy efficiency. The higher the temperature is in your home, the faster the energy leaks out. Setting your thermostat to 65°F instead of 70°F can save on energy leakage.
Fewer carbon emissions. Both electric and gas heaters use energy from sources that produce greenhouse gases. By reducing your heating demands, you are lowering the production of these harmful emissions.
Peace of Mind
An end to thermostat disagreements. With smart or programmable thermostats, the days of sneaky temperature adjustments are over. With either option, you can set your ideal temperature for different times throughout the day and stop worrying about watching the thermostat.
Smart home automation. In addition to upgrading to a programmable thermostat, consider other areas of your home that could benefit from this type of regulation. Relax in the comfort of your home knowing that all of your appliances, electrical devices and even door locks are being monitored and maintained effectively.
Achieve The Perfect Indoor Temperature
If you are looking to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home, keep your family healthy and happy and save a bit of money on utilities, stay mindful of your thermostat. Ready to upgrade to the latest in programmable thermostats or Smart Home Automation? Contact Air Tech of Humble today to schedule your appointment.