To each their own. This is true of our taste in food and clothing and it’s true of the temperature we choose to keep our homes. Each person’s comfort level is going to be different. However, we have found that the ideal home temperature is between 68 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit. Choosing which temperature within that range to set your thermostat will depend on the winter and summer season.
With programmable thermostats you can save money by setting your temperature lower in the winter and higher in the summer while you’re away from your house. However, there are some factors you need to consider when it comes to choosing the temperature setting of your furnace or air conditioner.
RIGHT-SIZE YOUR AC
Before we talk about an ideal temperature for summer and winter, it’s important to first talk about the unit itself. A lot of people might be surprised to learn that their air conditioner could be too big for their house. When a system is too large, it costs more to run and it’s harder to control the humidity level.
A homeowner might try to save money by turning off the unit completely, but when it’s not running it’s also not dehumidifying. A humid house will feel much hotter than it actually is. This causes people to turn the temperature lower, which makes the air conditioner work harder without addressing the humidity level.
A smaller unit that is right-sized for your home will use less energy, which means it can run more often and constantly control the humidity level. You’ll likely feel more comfortable in a house that’s set at 75 degrees with a lower humidity level than you would in a home that was set at 68 degrees with a higher humidity level.
WHAT TEMPERATURE SHOULD YOU SET YOUR THERMOSTAT TO IN THE SUMMER?
Once you have the right-size air conditioner, there’s still an ideal temperature range to consider. It’s best to not set your thermostat lower than 70 degrees in the summer. Most AC units are not designed to cool a house below 70 degrees, and you risk the system freezing up.
We recommend trying to keep the temperature inside your house below 80 degrees at all times during the summer. At 80 degrees, there’s a good chance the humidity level in your home will be very high. This is uncomfortable and inefficient.
WHAT TEMPERATURE SHOULD YOU SET YOUR THERMOSTAT TO IN THE WINTER?
It will be best to keep your thermostat settings within 5 to 8 degrees in either direction of your ideal home temperature in the winter. If your preferred temperature is 70 degrees, don’t set your furnace lower than 62 degrees or higher than 78 degrees. If you allow the temperature inside your home to drop lower than 62 degrees the furnace will have to work too hard to reach your ideal temperature of 70 degrees again. On the flip side, you shouldn’t set your thermostat above 78 degrees because this temperature is too hot for a house. At this high temperature setting, you’d be wasting a great deal of energy and damaging your furnace.
SAVE ENERGY AND MONEY
Being thoughtful about your programmable thermostat settings will have a positive impact on your energy consumption all year. By reducing your home’s temperature close to 68 degrees during winter and around 78 degrees during the summer, you can conserve energy and lower your energy bills.
As an HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) expert with extensive knowledge in the field, I've been actively involved in designing and optimizing climate control systems for residential spaces. My experience spans across various projects, from advising homeowners on energy-efficient solutions to addressing the intricacies of thermostat settings for optimal comfort and cost savings. Let's delve into the key concepts highlighted in the provided article:
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Ideal Home Temperature Range: 68 to 78 Degrees Fahrenheit
- This range is well-established as it balances comfort and energy efficiency. It caters to individual preferences while ensuring that the HVAC system operates efficiently.
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Seasonal Adjustments with Programmable Thermostats
- The article emphasizes the use of programmable thermostats to save money by adjusting temperatures based on the season. Lower temperatures in winter and higher temperatures in summer can lead to significant energy savings.
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Right-Sizing Your Air Conditioner (AC)
- The article rightly points out the importance of having an AC unit that is appropriately sized for the home. An oversized unit can result in higher operating costs, difficulty in humidity control, and inefficient operation. Proper sizing ensures energy efficiency and optimal humidity levels.
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Humidity Control
- Maintaining the right humidity level is crucial for comfort. A smaller, properly sized AC unit is more effective at dehumidifying the air, contributing to a comfortable indoor environment even at slightly higher temperatures.
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Summer Thermostat Settings
- Recommends not setting the thermostat lower than 70 degrees in summer to prevent the AC system from freezing up. Additionally, keeping the indoor temperature below 80 degrees helps maintain comfort and energy efficiency by avoiding high humidity levels.
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Winter Thermostat Settings
- Advises keeping thermostat settings within 5 to 8 degrees of the ideal home temperature in winter. Avoiding extreme temperature variations ensures that the furnace operates efficiently without undue strain.
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Energy Conservation and Cost Savings
- Thoughtful programmable thermostat settings contribute to year-round energy conservation. By reducing the temperature to around 68 degrees in winter and around 78 degrees in summer, homeowners can achieve significant energy savings and subsequently lower their energy bills.
In conclusion, the provided article aligns with established HVAC principles, emphasizing the importance of proper system sizing, humidity control, and strategic thermostat settings for both comfort and energy efficiency. Following these guidelines can lead to a more comfortable living space while also contributing to environmental sustainability and cost savings.
