The thermostat wars can affect even the strongest relationships. Everyone wants a temperature that is comfortable, but the person who pays the bills is concerned about increased energy costs. What’s the best temperature setting to meet both of these goals? And, do these temperatures vary depending on whether it’s summer or winter? Ernst Heating & Cooling of Hamel, IL, has your answers. Read on.
The best temperature, according to the U.S. Department of Energy
Let’s skip to the bottom line. What do the experts say? Well, the good people at Energy Star, a program of the US Environmental Protection Agency and the US Department of Energy, say your home’s thermostat should be set to 78°F in the summer. In the winter, Energy Star claims 68°F is your best bet, especially if you’re turning the temperature down at night.
If you’re shaking your head at the 78 number, you’re not alone. Social media users reacted with disbelief when the story came out, because most people think 78°F is too high for indoor air temperatures during the sweltering summer months.
In the interest of family harmony and happy customers, Ernst Heating & Cooling is going to adjust the advice. The best temperature for your home is the one where everyone is comfortable. Energy savings may be tempting, but if you’re experiencing poor sleep and grumpy family gatherings, you’re paying too high a price. That’s why we recommend that families experiment with different settings until they find one that doesn’t have them running back to adjust the settings on their thermostats throughout the day.
Remember, too, that the ideal home temperatures can vary depending on the season. Summer weather often correlates with higher humidity, which can make you feel warmer. Wind chills and drafts can leave you shivering in the winter. Most people find they can live with higher temperature settings in the summer, when they’re coming in from relentless heat, and lower settings in the winter when indoor warmth feels cozy compared to what Mother Nature is giving us outside.
Thermostat tricks for saving money
Once you’ve discovered a temperature that works for everyone, it’s time to make sure your home is equipped to keep things steady while maximizing energy efficiency. An upgraded home thermostat is a great first step in the right temperature direction. If you’ve been relying on the original manual thermostat that came with your home, talk to Ernst Heating & Cooling about a programmable thermostat. New thermostat technology means you’ll enjoy increased energy efficiency, as well as better temperature precision when you invest in the latest programmable thermostat technology. Programmable thermostats allow you to set a schedule for when you’re home and when you’re gone, and they’ll even remember to drop the temperature at night, so you sleep better. Want to take thermostat technology even further? Consider a smart thermostat that can tell when the house is empty and set a schedule that works with your family. There’s no magic answer for the perfect indoor temperature, but Ernst Heating & Cooling is committed to helping our customers achieve comfort while keeping their energy costs manageable. If you want to talk about a new thermostat or other smart energy-saving solutions, call Ernst Heating & Cooling now at 618.217.1836 to schedule an appointment, or fill out our convenient online form and we’ll get back to you. Be cool this summer – and comfortable this winter – with your friends at Ernst Heating & Cooling.