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What Are the Best Thermostat Settings for Winter?

A woman adjusting a thermostat in her home

Ideal Thermostat Settings for Winter

As the weather gets colder, you may wonder what the best settings are for your home thermostat. After all, you want to stay comfortable without wasting energy on your heating system. A programmable thermostat is a fantastic way to bring convenience to your home’s heating system, however, they are not necessary.

Here are a few tips to help you find the perfect balance this winter. Of course, these are just general guidelines – you may need to adjust the settings based on your specific needs.

Choose the Right Degree Setting

Set your thermostat to around 68 degrees during the day when the house is occupied. While this may be a slightly lower temperature than what you’re used to, you will save money by setting your thermostat lower with the best thermostat settings for winter.

Here’s why we see this as the ideal temperature for your winter thermostat settings: when you set the temperature higher, and there’s a more significant gap between the indoor and outdoor air temperatures, your furnace has to work harder to maintain that temperature, which uses more energy and costs more money. If you set the temperature lower, your furnace won’t have to work as hard, and you’ll use less energy, saving you money.

Turn the Thermostat Down

When you’re away from home for long periods of time, or even just while you’re sleeping, setting your thermostat back 7 to 10 degrees on temperature settings can make a big difference on your home’s heating bills, helping cut household heating costs by up to 10 percent. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also be doing your part to help conserve energy.

Do Not Shut off the System Completely

If you’re planning a winter vacation, you may be tempted to turn off your heat to save money. However, there are a few dangers to doing this. First of all, if the temperature outside drops suddenly, it could cause your pipes to freeze and burst. Even if the weather is mild, leaving your heat off can create an ideal environment for mold and mildew to grow. Additionally, burglars are more likely to target unoccupied homes with no signs of life, such as warm light in the window.

Properly Set the Temperature During Vacation

Before leaving for your winter trip, set the thermostat temperature to no less than 55 degrees, using the best thermostat settings for winter. These best thermostat setting practices for winter will help to protect your pipes from freezing and maintain your home. You may also want to consider turning off the water supply to your home if you’ll be gone for an extended period.

Find the Best Temperature for Pets

Many pet owners find themselves struggling to keep their furry friends comfortable during extreme weather conditions. If you have pets staying home during long winter days or while you’re on vacation, they may not be able to tolerate more significant temperature setbacks. Sixty degrees is a comfortable temperature for most animals, though some types of pets will require warmer air.

Why Work with A-1 Mechanical?

Unless you are exceptionally well-versed in thermostats, working with an experienced team like A-1 Mechanical makes a difference. We combine years of experience with a fantastic team of customer support professionals who are there for you every step of the way. Whether you are determining the best temperature to set your thermostat at or are looking to install a new furnace, our team is ready to help.

Install a New Thermostat with A-1 Mechanical Today

Contact us if you’re in the market for a new thermostat or wondering if you could be getting more out of your current one. We’d be happy to help you find the best thermostat settings for winter and provide installation services so that you can save money on your energy bills immediately.

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