If you have ever shared space in your home or in an office, you know the ideal temperature can vary from person to person. Finding the optimal heat temperature for overall comfort, while being mindful of energy usage and those sharing the space, can take some time. While fall offers some respite from skyrocketing AC bills, higher heating bills are right around the corner in Massachusetts. With comfort and overall costs in mind, there are some guidelines you can follow to find what works best in your home or workspace.
During the winter months, the recommended thermostat setting is around 68°. Starting around this temperature and then making incremental changes can help you find your ideal personal preference. Adjusting incrementally is important as more drastic adjustments to your thermostat will cause your heating system to overwork. When your system overworks it decreases its efficiency and can lead to premature breakdowns and repairs.
Your home does not have to remain at the same temperature throughout the day or week. According to the Department of Energy, you can save up to 10% a year on your heating and cooling if you set your thermostat back 7-10 degrees from your typical setting for 8 hours a day. If you have a programmable thermostat, make sure to utilize the features that will take care of this for you. If you need assistance programming your thermostat, one of our technicians would be happy to help you. Smart thermostats allow people to control the temperature or schedule from anywhere there is WiFi. Smart thermostats also have technology that allows it to “learn” your patterns and can automatically adjust temperature settings for both comfort and energy savings.
Setting your thermostat lower at night is ideal for health and comfort. According to research, room temperature directly correlates with sleep quality. Healthline suggests that a temperature range between 60° and 67°F at night will improve your sleep. In the same way you slowly adjusted your thermostat for the daytime, do the same in the evenings to find a temperature that works for you.
How to find your optimal heat temperature
- Set your thermostat to “auto”, not just to “on”
- Place your thermostat in a central location, on an interior wall, away from vents, doors and windows
- Open your blinds during the day to let in radiant heat during the winter
- Consider layering clothing and using more blankets at night
- Set ceiling fans to counterclockwise to push rising warm air into living spaces.
- Turn down heat in zones of your home that you are not using
As always, please reach out to our team anytime to discuss any of your home heating or commercial HVAC questions and concerns.
If your question isn’t answered here, contact the Pierce Refrigeration team, and one of our experts will guide you in finding the right solution for you.
Need 24-7 emergency service? Looking for advice on improving your everyday air quality and comfort at home and work? Contact the friendly staff at Pierce Refrigeration at 800-696-1088 or info@piercerefrig.com.