The Great Debate—What should your thermostat actually be set to?
Often discussed within many households, everyone has an opinion on this based on personal comfort, cost, or both. Whether you like to keep it cool or you prefer to cozy up in a warm space, you may be surprised to learn that there are recommended temperatures for each season that experts agree will keep your energy bills down and your HVAC system running smoothly.
For summer, we recommend keeping your thermostat set at or around 78 degrees Fahrenheit. During the winter — at or around 68 degrees Fahrenheit.
Of course, you should do what works best for you and your family, but staying close to these temperatures will help you take care of your HVAC system.
What about when you’re not home?
Adjusting your thermostat when you’re out of town or gone for an extended period of time is a great way to cut energy costs. During the winter, it’s best to turn your thermostat down by about 10 degrees when you’re away. To keep your pipes from freezing, do not set it below 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
During the summer, adjust your thermostat 5-10 degrees above the temperature at which you normally have it set. Be mindful of anything in your home that needs to be stored at room temperature—medications, foods in the pantry, etc. Also, if you go any higher than 85-90 degrees Fahrenheit, your AC will run non-stop when you get home and readjust the temperature, negating your initial savings.
You can also adjust your thermostat slightly during the day when you’re at work or out of the house to help with daily energy savings.
Following these guidelines will help you extend the lifespan of your HVAC system as well as help you save on energy bills. If your HVAC system is struggling to keep your home within normal temperature ranges, it might be time for repairs or a total replacement.
For questions about your HVAC system or thermostat, contact our experts!