The Department of Energy suggests that 68 degrees Fahrenheit is the ideal thermostat setting when you’re indoors in the fall or winter. That’s because the closer your home temperature is to the temperature outdoors, the less your heating system has to work. And 68 degrees is a cost-effective balance between physical comfort and energy savings.
But what other tips can you follow while programming your thermostat for fall and winter? As experts in thermostat installation and programming, Brothers Plumbing, Heating & Electric recommends following these additional tips to stay comfortable while saving energy:
Lower The Temperature While Away
When you’re away from home, lower the temperature to prevent your heater from wasting energy. You can program a pre-set schedule in your thermostat so that it only heats your home while you’re present to save energy. For example, lowering the temperature by just 7-10 degrees while you’re away can significantly reduce heating bills.
Lower The Temperature While Sleeping
The same concept of lowering the temperature when you’re gone applies to when you’re asleep. That may sound counterintuitive since temperatures drop at night, and you want to feel warm and comfortable while sleeping. But a cool environment is actually conducive to a good night’s sleep, so lowering the temperature at night can benefit you.
Of course, freezing temperatures won’t help anyone sleep, but that’s where blankets and cozy pajamas come into play. Layering up with clothing and sheets is an easy way to stay warmer. You can also program your thermostat to start heating when you awake. With wise temperature adjustments, you can sleep well and enjoy warm and toasty mornings without wasted energy at night.
Keep Your Plants And Animals Comfortable
Like us humans, house plants and pets also have their preferred temperatures. So to keep your house plants alive, try to maintain a temperature range between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. And keep your cats and dogs happy with a similar range between 64 to 78 degrees, adjusting accordingly based on your furry friend’s coat. When you set your thermostat at 68 degrees and program it as needed, you can cut costs and maintain an ideal environment for your pets, plants, and yourself during the cold seasons.
Consider Your Type Of Thermostat
When we suggest the above tips, bear in mind that they mainly apply to homeowners with programmable thermostats. Although you can manually adjust temperature settings as needed, creating an automatic schedule is much more effective. Manual thermostats contain simple controls to lower and raise the temperature or tell the system to turn off. Whereas programmable and digital thermostats can be fine-tuned for maximum energy savings. That’s why they’re the preferred method of heating control during the fall and winter.
So if you want to install an energy-efficient thermostat at home, contact Brothers Plumbing, Heating & Electric for help. Call anytime and seven days a week at (303) 468-2294 to get the help you need with your thermostat and heating system.
