When the temperatures start to drop, homeowners across Columbus, Georgia and Opelika, Alabama wonder what to set their thermostat at in the winter? It’s important to keep everyone nice and comfortable indoors, but you want to do so as efficiently as possible to avoid outrageously high heating bills! Energy Savers shares tips for setting your thermostat this winter that will help you achieve great comfort indoors at an affordable price.
What Should You Set Your Thermostat at in the Winter?
According to the Department of Energy, the most energy-efficient setpoints for winter heating are as follows:
- 68 degrees during awake hours, while the home is occupied
- 58-61 degrees during hours the house is empty as well as sleeping hours
While everyone is awake and at home, 68 degrees is a comfortable setting for most people during the winter months. This setpoint allows for efficient use of the heating system without causing you and your loved ones to make sacrifices when it comes to indoor comfort.
The biggest savings are achieved during what we call the setback period, which is the long stretch during the day when the home is empty or overnight when everyone is asleep where the thermostat can be set 7 to 10 degrees lower. Setbacks of 7 to 10 degrees for at least 8 hours each day can generate a savings of 1 percent for every degree you lower the temperature from your typical occupied comfort settings.
Not only do these winter thermostat settings help you stay comfortable and save energy, but they will also help protect your heating system. Maintaining efficient occupied temperatures and lowering the temperature over long periods of the day drastically reduce the use of your furnace or heat pump. These appliances work less, thus they experience less wear and tear. With less wear and tear to your heating system, you can prevent furnace and heat pump breakdowns as well as keep the unit in service longer. You’ll save money on repairs as well as replacement costs while maximizing the return on investment for your existing furnace or heat pump.
More Winter Comfort Tips
Here are some additional tips to stay comfortable at lower temperatures indoors!
- If you currently have a manual thermostat, upgrade to a programmable or smart model. These smart and programmable thermostats allow you to preset temperature adjustments throughout the day to automate heating system operation and lower energy consumption. Features such as Wi-Fi connectivity, geofencing, and learning technology allow access from anywhere and effortless comfort control.
- Before you turn up the heat, try other tactics to increase your comfort. Put on a sweater, add an extra blanket to your bed, wear fuzzy slippers indoors, etc.
- Think the recommendations for energy-efficient overnight temperatures sound too cold for comfort? Lowering the thermostat temperature of sleeping quarters can actually facilitate better sleep! A temperature as low as 60 degrees is still within the ideal range for great sleep quality, according to experts.
- If 68 degrees isn’t comfortable for your family, find a comfortable yet more energy-efficient indoor winter temperature by lowering your smart or programmable thermostat from its current settings. Turn down your thermostat a degree at a time to find the ideal temperature that allows everyone to feel comfortable. Any temperature lower than your current preferred temperature settings will result in less energy consumption, more savings, and fewer working hours for your furnace or heat pump.
Thermostat Installation from Energy Savers
Energy Savers installs new thermostats for homeowners throughout the Columbus, Georgia and Opelika, Alabama areas, upgrading your home with programmable and smart thermostat options! Our pros advise on what you should set your thermostat at in the winter to which thermostat model can help you generate the most energy savings. To request a quote for thermostat installation in your home, contact us today.