If you’re sensitive to cold winter weather, you may ask, “How high can I turn up my thermostat?” At Grasshopper Heating & Cooling, we know how your heating system operates and help you keep it in excellent condition. Keep reading to discover the ideal temperature for winter comfort and long-term savings on your energy bills.
How Your Thermostat Interacts With Your Heating System
Your thermostat works by sensing the ambient temperature in your home and comparing it with your temperature set point. In the winter, if you’ve set your thermostat to heating mode, it activates your furnace when it notices the ambient air is lower than your desired temperature. In the summer, it does the same thing but activates your cooling system instead.
The Problems of an Excessively High Thermostat Setting
Concerning your HVAC system in the winter, is higher always better? If you set your thermostat too high, you could experience the following issues:
- Higher energy bills: The higher you set your temperature, the longer your furnace or heater runs and the more money you spend keeping your house warm.
- Lack of optimal comfort: Even if you like an excessive level of warmth during the winter months, you’ll reach a level where you, or other people in your house, feel uncomfortable.
- Increased wear and tear: A higher temperature means more frequent heating system use and increased wear and tear. You’ll replace your device early, and experience decreased energy efficiency.
- Uneven temperature distribution: When you set your thermostat too high, it won’t keep every room in the house at the same temperature. You’ll experience pockets of cold and warm air.
The Best Winter Thermostat Settings to Save Money and Enhance Comfort
If you’re asking, “How high can I turn up my thermostat,” instead reframe your question. What setting helps you obtain a warm comfort level but can still save you money on heating your house? Remember, you don’t have to rely only on your home’s temperature to keep you warm!
The Best Temperature for Energy Savings
The United States Department of Energy suggests setting your thermostat to 68 degrees during the day. This can save energy by running your furnace or heater to obtain a minimally comfortable temperature.
While it may seem daunting, the department also suggests lowering your thermostat setting to 60 degrees at night while you sleep or when you leave your home. This will help you conserve energy more by keeping your target temperature at a minimal setting for safety.
Creating a Comfortable Living Space With a Lower Set Temp
Does 68 seem too low for a comfortable indoor temperature? You can optimize the savings on your energy costs by relying on the following methods for staying comfortable:
- Wear multiple layers of warm clothing like sweatshirts and hats.
- Use blankets, heating pads, or
- Consider using a space heater, though carefully read the instructions for safe use.
- Eat hot foods like soup and chili and drink coffee or tea for extended periods.
Helping Your Heating Systems Stay Energy-Efficient
What’s one answer to “How high can I turn up my thermostat?” When you take steps to save energy by increasing the efficiency of your home, the benefits will spread to your air conditioner use, too.
Choose the Right Thermostat
When you install smart thermostats in your home, you can control your thermostat settings from your phone. Did you forget to turn the heat down before you left for work? It’s never too late to save money by lowering it.
Do you need a more affordable thermostat solution? A programmable thermostat can provide similar convenience. While you can’t operate most programmable thermostats from your phone, you can still set them on a specific schedule.
Insulate Your Home
Heat loss can significantly hinder your home’s energy efficiency, especially at night when the temperature drops. When you insulate your home exterior and interior walls, you prevent the heat from escaping and can run your heating system less frequently. Always consider upgrading old insulation a smart investment.
Invest in Regular Maintenance
Annual furnace maintenance is the best thing you can do for your HVAC system. Your heating and cooling system will run more efficiently and keep your home more comfortable. It also saves you money by reducing the frequency of repairs.
Schedule Services for Your Heating System Today
Are you satisfied with the answer to, “How high can I turn up my thermostat?” When you partner with Grasshopper Heating & Cooling, we keep your furnace, heat pump, and air conditioning in peak condition. No matter what temperature you keep your thermostat at, we’ll optimize its efficiency and your savings.
To book an appointment, call (518) 545-3271 or contact us online.
