What Is the Best Temperature for Your Heater in the Winter?
Heating bills are on the rise, like so many expenses nowadays. Costs become particularly high in states with cold climates like Massachusetts, and homeowners across the state often look for ways to economize. Simple preventative measures and good habits can save money and protect the environment by reducing the demand for heating oil and gas.
If you want to save money on your heating bills and make sure that your heating system lasts as long as possible, seek advice from the experts. These tips on finding the best temperature for your heater in the winter come to you from the top heating professionals in Quincy from Trust 1 Services.
Keeping You and Your Family Comfortable When You’re Home
Most heating companies do not recommend one ideal temperature for a family home because every family is unique. Some families travel all the time, while others start every morning with breakfast at home. Others are night owls who stay active when the weather is coldest.
When deciding how to set your thermostat, consider your family’s lifestyle during the day and at night. Keep in mind that heating costs will likely creep higher with the colder weather. Heating your home at night will also put more stress on your heating system, which could mean higher maintenance costs and the need to replace your heater after several cold winters.
Consider the health needs of your family when deciding on the best temperature for your heater in winter. Some people have difficulty regulating their body temperature due to medical conditions. Other people have poor circulation and experience coldness in their arms and legs if the temperature gets too low. The recommendations in this post are just a guide and should not be more important than the safety and comfort of your family.
During the Day
In the daytime, experts recommend a temperature no higher than 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Particularly on cold days, the greater the difference between the internal and external temperature, the harder your heater has to work. Most people prefer the temperature to be no colder than 68 degrees. However, you could save more money by setting the thermostat to a lower temperature.
At Night
At night, save money by bundling up with blankets instead of leaving the heat on high. Keeping the temperature at about 60 degrees will save money and keep the pipes from freezing when the temperature outside dips below 32 degrees.
Reducing Heating Costs When You’re Away
If you go on vacation, keeping the temperature at 60 degrees or a little lower makes a cost-effective choice while still protecting your plumbing from low temperatures. Keep in mind that water outside the house can still freeze, causing ice dams in gutters and damaging exterior pipes and garden hoses.
If you will be away for an extended period, having someone come to your house and run the water a little will reduce the chances of pipes freezing. Disconnect hoses and irrigation systems from the water supply so that they do not become damaged or draw heat from the house.
Benefits of Keeping the Temperature Low
Extending the Life of Your Furnace and Heating System
Your heater will turn on and off periodically to keep the temperature in your home at a constant level. If you set the temperature on your thermostat at too high a temperature, the heater will have to run for longer periods. Overwork increases wear and tear on the blower motor, heat exchanger, and other parts of the heating system.
Running the furnace too hot can cause cracks in the heat exchanger or leaks in the furnace itself. Toxic fumes, soot, and other harmful materials can leave the furnace, decreasing air quality and causing damage to your home.
Increasing Fuel-Efficiency
Heating experts say that reducing the temperature of your home by one degree Fahrenheit can lower your fuel consumption by 1%. Over the course of a year, turning the thermostat down can lead to substantial energy savings.
Using a Smart Thermostat
A smart thermostat is a computer-controlled device that regulates your heating system. Smart thermostats typically work in conjunction with an app so that you can control your heater with your phone or laptop. A smart thermostat makes it easier to use your heater more effectively as it allows you to:
- Raise the temperature in your home when on the way home from a trip so that it is warm when you arrive.
- Lower the temperature in your home if you are called away unexpectedly to save money while you’re out.
- Let your thermostat app remind you to service your heating system regularly.
Other Money-Saving Tips
- Dress warmly when at home so that you stay comfortable while keeping the air temperature low.
- If you have an older furnace, consider upgrading to a newer, more efficient model.
- Insulate your windows to prevent heat loss.
- Monitor your furnace for any signs of failure, such as unusual noises or odors.
Keeping Your Heating System Maintained
Clogged air filters and ductwork force the furnace to work harder to heat the home because the heated air can’t reach the rooms of your house as efficiently. Clogged filters, valves, and vents also prevent fresh air from entering the furnace combustion chamber.
If the furnace has insufficient oxygen, it cannot burn fuel efficiently. Incomplete combustion causes soot and other byproducts to build up in the furnace chamber and heat exchanger, putting stress on the system.
To keep your furnace running smoothly and keep your energy bills down, you should have your furnace maintained once a year. The best time for maintenance is in the fall, so you can catch any problems before the weather turns cold.
Professional Heating and HVAC Maintenance From Trust 1 Services
Even if you set your thermostat to the best temperature for your heater in the winter, your furnace will still need maintenance. For more information on saving money by taking care of your furnace, try these tips on maintaining your heater from Trust 1 Services. For heater maintenance in the Quincy, MA, area, call (617) 468-7649 today.