What is the ideal indoor temperature in winter?
Winter is a time when we all wonder what that temperature “sweet spot” is. How low or high should you turn your thermostat? The answer is as individual as your family, and there are factors to consider when deciding on that temperature.
For more heating or thermostat tips, contact our HVAC team today – give Genz-Ryan a call at (612) 223-6158.
Your Home
How quickly does your home cool off? Knowing just how fast heat dissipates from your home will guide you in knowing how high to set the thermostat. That means knowing how well your home is insulated and how many windows you have on your home where heat will naturally leak out. The faster it does, the higher the temperature must be set.
You also need to know what humidity level you have in your home. During winter months, research suggests that your indoor humidity level should be between 40-60%. If it isn’t, then you need to consider a humidifier. That will also impact what kind of temperature you will need to set the thermostat because higher humidity makes your body feel warmer than the temperature suggests.
Your Family
The way to know the right temperature for your family is to do some experimenting. First, start at 72 degrees. Then, without telling anyone, lower the temperature gradually over several hours until someone starts to notice it being cooler. When you’ve gotten to that point, go to the last setting where no one complained. That’s your sweet spot.
Knowing that temperature is ideal because if you also like saving money, you’ll be gratified to know that you save 1-3% on your heating bill for every degree you turn the thermostat down.
Your Habits
If you’re not home for a length of time, you can save significant money on heating if you lower the temperature. You can also save money and sleep better if you lower the temperature at night. If changing the temperature that frequently sounds complicated, buying a programmable thermostat is an investment that will pay for itself in lower heating bills. You simply set a program on the thermostat, making the temperature rise and lower at different times of the day, and you’ll notice savings without noticing the difference when you’re at home or asleep.
What Is the “Right” Temperature?
So, what is the “right” temperature? It’s not as simple as telling you 72 degrees, but it’s also not as hard as you might think. Our HVAC professionals recommend trying out various temperatures to see what works for you, and then you will have an answer that saves you money and makes everyone at your home comfortable.
Contact Genz-Ryan Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, & Electrical today by calling (612) 223-6158, and our team will assist you with all of your heating needs!
