Tired of paying an arm and a leg to heat and cool your home throughout the course of the year? Adjusting your home temperature by just a few degrees during the winter and summer months could make a big difference in what you pay for heating and cooling.
According to the Department of Energy, you might be able to save upwards of 10% on your energy bills each year when you get into the habit of setting your thermostat to the ideal home temperature. By keeping your average home temperature steady, it could help your bottom line in a big way.
But what is the ideal home temperature? That’s the million-dollar question. Let’s take a look at what your home temperature should be at different times of the year.
Image by Comfreak
The Ideal Home Temperature in the Winter
When you’re setting your thermostat in the winter, it’s usually a good idea to set it to about 70 degrees, especially if you live in a colder climate. Your house is going to get uncomfortably cold in a hurry if you set it much lower than that.
You can, however, have the temperature drop down to as low as 65 degrees in the winter when you’re not home. This will give your heating system a break without making it work too hard later to bring the temperature back up into the 70-degree range.
Most homeowners will tell you that this is the best heating temperature at home when it comes to saving money on energy.
The Ideal Home Temperature in the Summer
While the consensus among homeowners seems to be that 70 degrees are the ideal home temperature in the wintertime, the jury is still out with regards to what the perfect temperature is during the summer.
Many people continue to keep their cooling systems set to about 70 degrees. But some will allow the temperature to inch up towards the 80-degree mark in certain cases.
You shouldn’t let it get too hot in your home in the summer since humidity can build up in it and cause issues. But if you don’t mind letting the temperature get to be on the warmer side, setting your thermostat for 75 degrees or so is a great way to save money while still keeping your house comfortable.
Making Sure Your Home Can Reach the Ideal Home Temperature
In order for your heating and cooling systems to reach your desired temperature, you’re going to have to take good care of them. That means doing furnace and air conditioning maintenance on a regular basis.
Your systems will struggle to hit your ideal temperature in the winter and summer without routine maintenance. Schedule maintenance today if it’s been a while since the last time you did it.
Start Tinkering With Your Thermostat More Often to Save Money
Your average home temperature is going to play a big role in how much you have to pay in energy costs. If your home is constantly too cold or too hot, it could take a toll on your finances.
By sticking to the ideal home temperature at all times, you can make your energy bills more manageable. You can also save yourself quite a bit of money in both the short and long term.
Read our blog for more tips and tricks on taking better care of your house.