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 will create an environment that’s warm enough to feel comfortable, but not so warm that you wake up sweating at midnight as you scramble to turn down the thermostat.
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 setting for your thermostat is 68 degrees Fahrenheit–or 20 degrees Celsius. This temperature will create a warm, comfortable environment. To save on energy, lower the temperature by about 10 to 12 degrees Fahrenheit at night or when you’re away from home.
Avoiding the Dial
Turning down the temperature repeatedly may not be as efficient as it seems. You can actually save as much as 10% of your heating by setting it back seven to 10 degrees for at least eight hours a day. This is a better method, as adjusting the temperature multiple times throughout the day 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. The best place to install the thermostat 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 the kitchen, in a hallway exposed to direct sunlight and above air vents.
Get In Touch with an HVAC Expert
Finally, you should reach out to your local air conditioning and heating expert and have them make sure your furnace or heat pump is in top condition. Efficient settings and smart thermostats can only do so much; you also need to make sure that your unit is in great operating form.
At O.K. Heating & Air Conditioning, we’ll make sure your heating and HVAC system is in perfect condition so that your home is as comfortable as possible during the 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.