When you think about the ideal temperature for your home, it may not be the temperature that is recommended by experts. You may want your home to be cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. But, experts have other recommendations that don’t coincide with your ideal home comfort levels.
You may be wondering why HVAC companies recommend certain temperatures in the first place. Although it’s entirely up to homeowners to decide their own thermostat settings, it’s also important not to overwork the system. Ideally, you should have more moderate temperature settings to alleviate the strain and reduce wear and tear on your HVAC system.
Following these recommendations can also lower your energy costs, which is a bonus. You may be wondering, “at what temperature should I turn on the air conditioner?” Keep reading to learn more about the ideal temperature for your home in each season of the year.
Winter Temperature Settings
When you’re at home in the winter, you should set your thermostat to no higher than 68°F during the day. If you plan to be away, either at work during the day or on a trip, you can lower the temperature by another 10°F to save up to 15% on your energy bill. If you have a smart thermostat, you can always set the heat to go back up before you arrive back home so that the indoor air temperature is more comfortable.
If 68°F is too cold for you, you can take other steps to stay warm and comfortable. Having slightly higher humidity levels can help the air feel warmer. The air is naturally drier in the winter, so you may want to invest in a humidifier. You can also bundle up with layers of warm clothes and blankets.
Summer Temperature Settings
In the summer, you should set your cooling temperature to around 78°F. This may seem warmer than you want to keep your home, but it is a reasonable temperature. And setting your temperature slightly higher is a great way to save money on your energy bill. In fact, you can save hundreds of dollars over the course of the year by increasing the temperature by just a couple of degrees.
The same goes for the springtime. It may be easier to set your thermostat higher in the spring when temperatures are naturally lower. But even in the summer, you can take other steps to stay cool. You can turn on fans in your home, and even open doors and windows at night to allow a breeze inside.
And if 78° is too warm for you right now, lower the temperature by a single degree at a time over several weeks to give your body time to adjust. Eventually, you will learn to be comfortable without having the temperature set as low. Even if you don’t set your thermostat as low or high as the suggestions, every degree counts. You can still lessen the strain on your HVAC system and decrease your energy use.
Shavitz Heating and Air Conditioning is your trusted resource for Chicagoland area home services. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!