The Ideal Home Temperature

There’s nothing like a cozy home in the winter and a cool house in the summer. Unfortunately, reaching the right temperature can be a challenge for some homeowners – especially when aiming for the lowest energy bills possible. While dressing with seasonal temperatures in mind can help, finding the ideal heat temperature for your home can really do wonders for your comfort level and energy bills. To help you find a happy medium between comfort and energy cost, follow our guidelines and put an end to the thermostat debate once and for all!

What Temperature Should You Set Your Thermostat to in the Winter?

If you live in a colder environment, heating your home in the winter is not a cheap endeavor. However, you can keep energy expenses to a minimum by identifying the ideal heat temperature for your space. For most people, 68 degrees is a reasonable home temperature during winter months. If you’re feeling cold, try putting on an extra layer of clothing. If you’re still chilly, raise the thermostat by one degree for several hours and see how you adjust. A whole-house humidifier can also help. The added moisture in the air decreases evaporation, making you feel warmer.

At night, try setting your thermostat back to 62 degrees. It’ll save you money and help you fall asleep faster. Just be sure to bundle up in warm pajamas and cuddle under a thick blanket, so you don’t wake up shivering! If you have a programmable or smart thermostat, set the temperature higher an hour or two before you normally wake up to make the house a little more comfortable when you get out of bed.

What Temperature Should Your Thermostat be Set to in the Summer?

In the summer months, try setting your home thermostat to 78 degrees. Opinions on what is a reasonable temperature for a house in summer vary, but the warmer months are ideal for shorts, tank tops, and flip-flops. By taking off heavier clothing, you’ll save yourself serious energy costs. If 78 still feels too warm, try turning on a ceiling fan to help circulate the air.

At night, you may struggle to fall asleep if you’re too warm. If you live in a Northern climate, opening windows in the evening can cool things down enough for you to sleep comfortably. A well-placed fan can also do wonders to provide nighttime relief.

Where is the Best Place to Install a Thermostat in My Home?

To find the ideal temperature, it’s important to place your thermostat in a room where you spend the most time. An interior wall that is free of obstructions is ideal. Avoid installing your thermostat too close to an exterior door, in direct sunlight, or by windows. It’s best to keep them out of kitchens, too. Generally speaking, you want your thermostat located in a spot not easily impacted by sunlight, outdoor temperatures, or indoor activities, like cooking. Placing a thermostat in an area where you spend the most time will give you a more accurate reading of the temperature you’re experiencing.

Maximize Comfort and Energy Efficiency with a Programmable Thermostat

What is a reasonable temperature for a house in winter or summer will vary depending on your preference, needs, and living situation. If you have a family with young children or share your home with elderly adults, the ideal temperature may be different, based on their comfort level. Either way, investing in a programmable thermostat can make finding a comfortable temperature for everybody much easier. A smart thermostat allows you to set your thermostat right from the convenience of your phone. Since these devices are capable of learning, once it figures out your heating and cooling preference, you won’t have to set it at all. It’s also helpful when you’re out of town because it will turn your system on and off based on whether someone is home.

Need help installing a programmable thermostat? Your local Aire Serv team offers thermostat installation and HVAC maintenance and repair services that will keep your system running efficiently all year long. Our friendly team can also provide helpful heating and cooling tips tailored to your comfort level. Schedule an appointment online or call us today.