Keep Your Home Comfortable & Utility Bills Low: The Best Temperature to Set a Home Thermostat
In 2023, more and more homes are becoming equipped with central heating and cooling systems. With a simple-to-use thermostat, these systems allow the homeowner to set and maintain a preferred, consistent temperature throughout their home. There is a lot of debate surrounding the best temperature to set a home thermostat to ensure comfort and energy efficiency. In this blog, we will discuss the optimal thermostat setting and the factors that affect this.
Central Heating & Cooling Systems Allow Homeowners to Choose the Right Temperature
Before central heating and cooling systems, homeowners had to use stand-alone heaters or window AC units. These appliances often prove challenging to control and maintain a consistent temperature. With central heating & cooling systems, you can easily set your thermostat to the specific temperature you want rather than relying on individual devices.
What is the Best Temperature to Set a Home Thermostat to in the Winter?
The weather can get very cold in the winter, especially in Massachusetts. When you are inside your home, you want to ensure you stay warm and comfortable, but increasing the heat can also increase your utility bills. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the ideal temperature to set your thermostat to in the winter is 68°F (20°C) when you are at home.
What Should You Set Your Thermostat to During the Summer?
During the summer, Massachusetts can get quite hot and humid. Air conditioning is a must to keep your home comfortable and free from humidity. However, running the AC can raise your utility bills, similar to increasing the heat. In the Summer, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, it is recommended to set your thermostat to 78°F (26°C) when you are at home.
Should You Adjust Your Thermostat When Sleeping or Away from Home for Long Periods of Time?
Although these temperatures are the optimal settings for when you are active and inside of your home, adjusting your thermostat when sleeping or away from home for extended periods can save even more money on your utility bills. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, lowering your thermostat by 10-15 degrees in the Winter or increasing it by 5-10 degrees in the Summer for eight hours at a time can save up to 10% on heating and cooling costs.
Optimizing Temperature Settings for Energy Efficiency
While these temperatures may be ideal for comfort, they might not always be feasible if you want to keep your utility bills low. Here are some tips for optimizing your temperature settings while reducing energy consumption:
- Use an automatic or programmable thermostat to maintain a consistent temperature rather than constantly adjusting the thermostat.
- Consider using ceiling fans and space heaters for specific rooms to reduce the overall energy consumption of your central heating and cooling system.
- Invest in proper insulation and sealing to keep the cool or warm air inside, allowing you to set the thermostat slightly lower or higher without compromising comfort.
Upgrade Your Home's Insulation with AES in Methuen, MA for Optimal Comfort & Energy Efficiency
Although setting your thermostat can help optimize the temperature and reduce energy consumption, it is essential to have a well-insulated home. Poor insulation can cause leaking between the inside and outside air, leading to energy waste. At AES in Methuen, MA, we specialize in insulation and air-sealing services for single and mutli-family homes across the area. Beginning with a no-cost assessment, our experts will help identify areas where your efficiency can be improved and provide the right solutions. To learn more and find out if you qualify, visit our website or call us at 888-577-0944.
Real Clients, Real Stories
See what our satisfied customers have to say about our work! Have you worked with us before? We’d love if you Left Us A Review!
The entire experience was simple & straightforward! I would recommend them to anyone.
The initial inspection was easy to schedule, and the tech that came to our house was super informative. They quickly figured out how to fix our old drafty house to make sure we weren’t wasting money on our monthly heating bills. The bill went down the very next month – we couldn’t be happier!
Project Gallery
Check out some of the recent jobs our team has worked on! Want to learn more? Contact us today!
