Last updated on March 3rd, 2023 at 04:03 pm
The temperatures outside have dropped drastically with the coming of winter. While it may be uncomfortable to go outdoors this time of year, your time indoors should be warm and cozy without burning holes in your wallet. This delicate balance can come easily with the right thermostat settings. Your system should be able to manage your comfort and your budget.
Energy.gov reports that turning your thermostat to about 68 degrees during winter for eight hours a day will help you not only save energy, but you’ll also notice a five to fifteen percent difference on your yearly bill. This means that once the temperature becomes less than 68 degrees, your heater will activate, putting smiles on the faces of everyone in your home. However, this may not be the ideal temperature for some people. If you like things a little warmer during the day, you may consider raising the temperature on your thermostat with the trade-off of turning it completely off at night. That may sound cold to some, but when you consider the comfort of warm blankets to regulate heat and a more bearable indoor temperature in the daytime, the benefits can keep both you and your wallet comfortable.
Using a Programmable Smart-thermostat
For some, a programmable thermostat may be the answer. Installing a programmable thermostat in your home will allow you and your family to keep a dedicated schedule for heating and cooling without having to do it yourself, taking a little stress off your mind. Most programmable thermostats can make changes to your heating and cooling up to six times a day. If you find that the settings aren’t working out, you can always change them manually. For example, if one day is warmer than another, you can tell your thermostat to ignore heating your home for the time being. And while professional installation is certainly recommended, it isn’t necessary.
When evaluating your thermostat settings, you’ll want to consider how your family feels during winter. Would they rather bundle up at night and be warmer during the day, or is a steady coolness manageable? Again, these settings can always be adjusted, so in case of a snow storm or someone in the family getting sick, you can always crank up the heat to suit your needs. Either way, a programmable thermostat can be equivalent to in-home comfort. It’s something you should consider as we get further into winter.
No matter what your preferences are, adjusting your thermostat — either manually or with a programmable thermostat — will ultimately help you save money. Remember, the comfort in your home is determined by those who live in it, and there’s no reason why that should be unaffordable.