Most of us have spring fever, but there are still some chilly days ahead! Before you reach for those flip flops, here are some tips for setting your thermostat for the rest of the winter season. Believe it or not, there is an ideal temperature for your home in the colder months, and Energy Star information, found at energy.gov, knows what that temperature should be.
If you fight with your family or loved ones about what temperature to keep your house at during the winter, studies show that 68 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal when at home. Why? Because it’s the perfect balance between comfort and energy efficiency. The energy-saving key is “lowering the temperature about 10- 12 degrees at night or when you’re away” per Energy Star’s recommendation.
Another tip? Don’t change the dial! Studies show that you can save as much as 10% a year in your HVAC costs by turning your thermostat back 7-10 degrees for 8 hours each day. If you are constantly increasing and decreasing the temp at home, it will end up costing you more over time. It’s best to set your thermostat to the right temperature and stick to a schedule.
It’s also recommended that you install your thermostat on an interior wall, ideally near the center of the house. Think about where you are going to be spending most of your time, because this is a great place to put the thermostat and where you want to be the most comfortable. Trane.com references the following information from Energy Star as well about where you should NOT place a thermostat:
- Areas in direct sunlight
- Locations above air vents
- Kitchens
- Hallways
- Near doors or windows
An updated thermostat goes perfectly with today’s energy-efficient heating and cooling systems. Programmable and cutting-edge “smart” thermostats will help with your overall energy savings. Did you know that some thermostats can even be programmed from afar, whether it’s from your vacation home on the beach or from your office desk late one evening? Some smart thermostats are so smart, they even begin to learn your patterns and automatically adjust to compensate for them. Several are even tied into your lighting, locks, and smart home appliances. The Trane ComfortLink™ II XL1050 is one smart thermostat that customers love. Ask a Viviano representative about what thermostat they may recommend for your home.
There are various things homeowners can do to save money on their HVAC system. Want to learn more? Viviano Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. can help! This year, Viviano is celebrating 30 Years of Service in the Metro-East area, and we’d love to be the HVAC company you turn to time and time again. Our highly trained technicians and installers work hard to provide the best service and products. Learn more at www.vivianoair.com.
.png)
.png)