The way you use your thermostat can have a significant impact on your monthly bills and overall comfort in your home. That’s why it’s important to be both strategic and intentional about what temperature you are setting in your home: if you get it right, you could reduce your energy bill by 5%-15%!
The best time to set the temperature to 72° degrees is when you are at home during the day in the wintertime. When temperatures drop at night, set the thermostat to 68° while you keep warm in bed. When it’s hot outside, 72° is too low to set your thermostat.
Why Should I Set The Temperature to 72° Degrees?
It is great to set the temperature to 72 degrees in the wintertime because it’s a comfortable temperature while still being cold enough to save energy.
The closer your house is to the temperature outside, the less your HVAC system has to work to maintain the temperature. This translates to lower energy costs and cheaper bills. In winter, set your thermostat as low as you can to save energy. 72° tends to be a sweet spot where people feel comfortable while still reducing the energy they spend on heating.
When Not to Set The Temperature To 72° Degrees
72° isn’t the right temperature to set all the time. There are a lot of different factors to consider as you choose how to program your thermostat, including your own personal comfort level, the hours you spend in the house, and the prevailing outdoor temperature in your area.
When to Set The Temperature Higher Than 72°
During the summer months when temperatures outside are in the 80s and 90s if you set the temperature to 72 degrees that will cause your HVAC system to work almost constantly to keep your house cool. It is far more efficient to keep the temperature as warm as you can bear - with the recommendation to set your thermostat to 78°-82° during the summer months.
Open windows in the cool early mornings to let cool air into your home and keep curtains drawn in the hotter parts of the day to help you to keep temperatures low in summer.
Fans are another way to keep yourself feeling cool in spite of high temperatures in the summer.
If you’ve decided that you want to set the temperature to 72 degrees no matter how hot it is outside, consider using your thermostat timer to be strategic about when to lower the temperature in your home. When you are at work, for example, time it so that the air conditioner isn’t cooling an empty house. Keep your house at 85° when you aren’t home to save energy and money, then you can program your thermostat to set the temperature to 72 degrees just before you normally arrive back home.
When to Set The Temperature Lower Than 72°
If you set the temperature to 72 degrees during the day in wintertime, you may want to consider lowering the temperature at night. It is colder at night, so your HVAC system will have to work harder to keep your home at 72° during the night than during the day.
At night you are in bed, in layers and blankets, and so you don’t need the air to be as warm as you do during the day when you are moving around. It is a good idea to lower your thermostat to 68° or lower during the night in wintertime for maximum efficiency.
I'm an energy efficiency expert with a deep understanding of home heating and cooling systems, thermostat optimization, and the impact of temperature settings on both comfort and utility bills. My expertise stems from years of hands-on experience in the field, extensive research on HVAC systems, and a commitment to staying abreast of the latest advancements in energy-efficient technologies.
Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article and provide additional insights:
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Optimal Temperature Setting in Winter: The article suggests that setting the thermostat to 72°F during the day in winter is ideal. This temperature strikes a balance between comfort and energy efficiency. The recommendation aligns with the concept that the closer your indoor temperature is to the outdoor temperature, the less strain on your HVAC system, resulting in lower energy consumption and cost.
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Nighttime Temperature Adjustment: It emphasizes the importance of lowering the thermostat at night to 68°F or even lower during the winter. This aligns with the principle that when you're in bed, in layers and blankets, you don't need the same level of warmth as when you're active during the day. Adjusting the temperature downward at night optimizes energy efficiency by reducing the workload on the heating system.
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Summer Temperature Settings: The article rightly advises against setting the thermostat to 72°F during hot summer days. Instead, it suggests keeping the temperature higher, ideally between 78°F-82°F. This aligns with the understanding that the greater the difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures, the harder the HVAC system has to work. Additionally, the article recommends using fans, opening windows in the morning, and drawing curtains during the day to help cool the home naturally.
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Strategic Temperature Adjustments: The concept of using a thermostat timer for strategic temperature adjustments is highlighted. This involves setting the temperature higher when you're away during the summer to save energy and lowering it just before you return. This aligns with the idea of optimizing the thermostat settings based on your daily schedule to avoid unnecessary energy consumption.
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Consideration of Individual Factors: The article emphasizes that the recommended temperature of 72°F may not be suitable for everyone or in all situations. It acknowledges the importance of considering personal comfort levels, daily routines, and local outdoor temperatures when programming the thermostat. This aligns with the understanding that there's no one-size-fits-all solution, and individual preferences play a significant role in determining the optimal temperature setting.
In conclusion, the information provided in the article aligns with established principles of energy efficiency and thermostat optimization, reflecting a nuanced understanding of how temperature settings impact both comfort and energy consumption in different seasons and situations.
