What Is the Ideal Temperature for a Comfortable Home?
During winter and summer, when outdoor weather reaches the extremes, the question arises: “What is the ideal temperature for a comfortable home?” If you set your thermostat at the ideal temperature, you can feel comfortable and reduce your energy bill. The correct thermostat setting makes your home comfortable and energy efficient.
So, what is the optimal temperature for a comfortable home? We’ll answer that question and tell you the best temperature in winter and summer. There are some considerations you can’t ignore when choosing the perfect room temperature! Read on to learn the optimal temperature settings for a variety of situations.
What Temperature to Set Your Thermostat in Winter
What temperature should you set your thermostat at in the winter? During the coldest months, 68 degrees Fahrenheit is the ideal temperature to set your thermostat for optimal comfort and energy savings. You can even consider lowering it overnight, as studies show that 65 degrees is the perfect temperature for sleeping.
No matter how warm you choose to keep your house, keep in mind that your HVAC system should be in good condition before the temperatures plummet. Dilling Heating & Cooling has reliable and skilled professionals who are experts in furnace repair in the Gastonia, NC, area.
What Temperature to Set Your Thermostat in Summer
Generally, the ideal setting for your thermostat in the summer is 78 degrees Fahrenheit. However, you want to stay comfortable without paying excessive energy bills. So if the weather cools during July and August, save money by turning off your air conditioning and opening the windows.
Challenges to Finding the Ideal Temperature
Despite the given recommendations, these temperatures could be better for some situations. Some challenges and unique conditions may arise that affect the ideal temperature for a comfortable home. Here are a few of them:
1. Home size, layout, and orientation
Larger homes are more difficult to heat during colder weather. If your home is large, you might need to raise the temperature above 68 degrees Fahrenheit. But, again, knowing what temperature to set your thermostat at in the winter will require some experimentation.
During the summer, however, you should lower the temperature below 78 degrees Fahrenheit if your home’s windows face south. This is because more sunlight enters your home, making it harder for your AC to keep the place cool.
2. Home occupancy and time of day
The recommended temperature setting for winter and summer might work when your house is full of people. But if you and your family spend many hours a day at work and school, keeping the temperature at 68 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter could be a waste of money. Instead, consider lowering your thermostat to save money on heating bills during the winter if your house is empty most of the day.
When your family goes on vacation, check the weather forecast and adjust the thermostat accordingly. This could also be a reason to explore programmable thermostats.
The Department of Energy recommends adjusting your thermostat by 8 degrees higher or lower, depending on the season, when you’re away from home for an extended period. This strategy is the best way to maximize your energy efficiency.
3. Humidity
Winter weather usually means dryer air. The dry air causes moisture to evaporate more quickly from your skin, resulting in dry and itchy skin. When considering what temperature to set your thermostat in winter, raising it a few degrees is tempting to keep the cold out — but resist the temptation. Consider investing in a humidifier instead!
How to Keep Your Home Comfortable and Save Money
There are techniques to keep your home comfortable during extreme weather while saving money. Instead of messing with the thermostat, try these tips for keeping your home comfortable without running up your energy bills:
- Invest in a programmable thermostat. Program your temperature while asleep or away from home. You can resume a comfortable setting when you wake up or expect to return home.
- Control humidity. Using a humidifier in the winter might permit you to lower your winter thermostat setting a few degrees without sacrificing comfort. A humidifier can save you money on heating bills.
- Adjust window coverings as necessary. Use curtains, blinds, and drapes to shield your home from sunlight during the summer. They prevent direct sunlight from raising the temperature a few degrees. In the winter, allow natural light in to boost your home’s temperature. Combine this with a humidifier, and it could make a big difference.
Dilling Heating & Cooling Is Here to Help!
We’re experts in heating and air conditioning and are always here to answer any questions. We can even help you determine the ideal temperature for a comfortable home — all you have to do is ask!
Contact us today to set up an inspection of your HVAC system. We’re your air conditioning and heating repair experts in Gastonia, NC, and the surrounding areas.