One of the most common questions that HVAC specialists get asked is “What temperature should I set my thermostat to?” Your home’s temperature should be set to allow for both comfort and energy savings at home.
But, different times of the year require different settings.
Here we will discuss what you need to know about your thermostat and where to set it throughout the year. You’ll get better cooling in the summer for less money, and conserve energy (and money) in the winter.
Summer Thermostat Settings
During the hot summer months, it is tempting to drop your home temperatures to Arctic levels. Although it might feel nice, this can mean a massive utility bill.
Hitting that sweet spot where you are saving energy and your home is cool enough for comfort is exactly what you want to do.
Generally, it is recommended to keep your home at 78 degrees while you are home during the summer. That might be warmer than you’re used to, but it will keep you cool enough so you can still be comfortable.
Remember, over-running your AC may lead to problems that will require air conditioner repair to fix.
If you plan on being away from your home longer than four hours, turn the temperature up to 88 degrees. Using this thermostat setting when you’re on vacation gives your cooling system and a wallet a big break.
If you feel like you can manage, it is estimated that for every degree higher that you set your thermostat over 78 degrees during the summer months, you can save approximately six to eight percent on your utility bill, per degree. The key to savings here is: the higher the better.
Winter Thermostat Settings
Compared to summer thermostat settings, the opposite holds true for the winter months. The lower you can go, the better.
We recommend that you set your thermostat to 68 degrees during the daytime. This temperature will be low enough to not overwork your furnace. As with summer, if you leave your house for more than four hours, drop the temperature to 58 degrees. If you feel like your furnace is struggling to keep up, it might be a good idea to call a professional for furnace repair.
During the night time, most people prefer to keep temperatures lower, as it can help you sleep better. Again, the lower the better. An electric blanket uses a lot less energy than than your furnace.
In the end, the temperatures you set your thermostat to is up to you. The further up or down you’re willing to go depending on the season, the greater the reward you will have when you pay your utility bills.
Save More Money With a Mini Split
If you’re ready for an HVAC upgrade, a mini split can increase your comfort while decreasing your energy bills. These new systems are fully customizable and use far less energy than conventional systems. We have plenty of case studies about Treasure Valley homeowners who installed ductless mini splits in their home.
Mini Split Installation in Eagle, ID
If you’re interested in having a mini split installed in your Eagle, ID home – or anywhere in Boise Metro or Valley County, call Snowflake Air today for a free consultation.
