The winter season is a trying time for your home, and one of the biggest challenges is finding the right temperature at which to set your thermostat. The ideal setting should create an environment that’s warm enough to feel comfortable, but not so warm that you’ll wake up sweating at midnight as you scramble to turn the thermostat down.
In this post, your HVAC experts at O.K. Heating & Air Conditioning discuss the most efficient thermostat setting for the winter season.
Comfort and Energy Efficiency
According to ENERGY STAR®, the ideal thermostat setting for creating a warm, comfortable home environment is 68 degrees Fahrenheit. To save on energy, lower the temperature by 10 to 12 degrees at night and whenever you’re away from home.
Avoiding the Dial
Turning down the temperature to ensure your heater does its job may not be as efficient as it seems. You can actually save as much as 10% on your heating bill by turning the thermostat down seven to 10 degrees for at least eight hours a day. This is a better method than repeatedly adjusting the temperature throughout the day, which will end up costing you more.
The Ideal Thermostat Location
Placing the thermostat in an inefficient part of your home will cost you in the long run as well. The best place to put it is on an interior wall close to (but not necessarily in) the center of the house. There are also a few places you want to avoid installing it, such as in a hallway exposed to direct sunlight, the kitchen or above air vents.
Get in Touch with an HVAC Expert
Finally, you’ll want to reach out to your local air conditioning and heating expert and have them check to make sure your furnace or heat pump is in top form. Efficient settings and smart thermostats can only do so much, which is why you need to ensure that your unit is in optimal operating condition..
At O.K. Heating & Air Conditioning, we’ll make certain your HVAC system is in perfect condition so that your home is as comfortable as possible this winter. Get in touch with us today at (925) 337-8319 to learn more about our services. We’re an air conditioning and heating company serving homeowners throughout Livermore, CA.