Temperature Ranges to Set Your Thermostat in Winter

Thermostat temperature ranges are a common topic among homeowners when considering their HVAC systems, and the upcoming winter season is one where this subject is often especially prevalent. How do you know what temperature to set your thermostat in winter?

At Airtime Heating & Cooling, we're here to help clients around Draper, Herriman and nearby parts of Utah with all their HVAC needs, including heater repair, replacement and related services to keep your and your family warm and comfortable throughout the Utah winter. As winter approaches, let's go over some important tips on what temperature to set your thermostat to in winter, plus some related concepts to keep in mind to help you combine comfort and efficiency this season.

General Temperature Setting Ranges

For most homes, there is a key differentiator for what temperature to set your thermostat in winter: Whether or not someone is home.

For periods where you know people will be home, a good rule of thumb for your thermostat setting is between 68-72°F. This range provides a comfortable balance between warmth and energy efficiency.

However, when no one is home or everyone is sleeping, you can safely set the temperature lower to save on heating costs. A recommended range for these times is between 60-62°F - particularly if you know no one will be home for an extended period of time. Now, if the home will only be empty for a few hours and then occupied again, it might be more prudent to set it closer to 65-67°F.

Value of a Programmable or Smart Thermostat

When it comes to thermostat temperature ranges in the winter, a programmable or smart thermostat can help you save even more. These devices allow you to set different temperatures for specific times of the day, and some even have sensors that can detect when someone is home or away. This means you don't have to remember to manually adjust the temperature - it will do it for you.

In addition, these thermostats often offer insights into your energy usage and provide suggestions on how to optimize your heating settings for maximum efficiency. They also have features like remote access, so you can adjust the temperature from anywhere using your smartphone or device.

For instance, a smart thermostat may notice that you tend to turn up the heat in the evenings and automatically adjust the temperature before you arrive home. Or, it may detect when you leave for work and lower the temperature to save energy while you are away.

Other Temperature Control Themes for Winter

You can also take some basic steps to assist your furnace or heat pump with properly heating your home during winter, several of which will help you save money while remaining comfortable:

• Sealing cracks: You can make your home more energy efficient by identifying and sealing air leaks. These might be around windows, doors, or even chimneys. Drafts reduce the efficiency of your heating system as they allow heated air to escape and cold air to enter.
• Changing furnace filters: Your furnace will work more efficiently with clean, unclogged filters that don't restrict airflow. During winter, you should replace or clean your furnace filters at least once a month.
• Installing insulation: Many homes don't have adequate insulation, which can lead to significant heat loss. Be sure to check the insulation in your attic and walls and add more if necessary.
• Using natural sunlight: Take advantage of natural sunlight by opening curtains and blinds during the day. This will not only brighten up your home, but also help to naturally heat it.
• Utilizing ceiling fans: Ceiling fans are not just for keeping cool in the summer. By reversing their direction, they can help circulate warm air that rises to the ceiling back down into the room.

Importance of HVAC System Maintenance

Even if you have the proper thermostat temperature range nailed down for your home in winter, an HVAC system that isn't properly maintained will still struggle to keep up with your heating needs. Regular maintenance, such as changing filters and checking for any issues, can help prevent breakdowns and ensure your system is running efficiently.

Be sure to schedule regular maintenance appointments with a licensed HVAC technician to keep your system running smoothly. This can not only save you money on energy bills, but it can also help prevent costly repairs down the line.

At Airtime Heating & Cooling, we're here to help clients around Draper and Herriman with all their HVAC needs, including winter heating solutions. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and keep your system in top shape all year round!