What is The Best Home Heating Temperature For The Winter?

One of the best things about living in the midwest is getting to see the seasons change every year. From the bright colors in the spring and summer to the golden browns in the fall, and the enchanting white winters, we see it all here in Michigan.

We also know, though, that as beautiful a white winter may be, it is also devastatingly cold. That's why it is vital to keep your home nice and warm during colder months. But what is the perfect temperature to keep your home?

There are a few different factors that go into that, including, the temperature itself, the thermostat, and your energy bill.

Temperature

While you may be tempted to raise the temperature in your home as much as possible on those chilly winter days, keeping your home extra warm is also wasteful, as the higher the temperature inside, the faster the thermal energy will be lost to the outside.

Keeping your home at a lower temperature will slow the process of thermal energy being lost. So what temperature is ideal?

The best way to stay comfortable without throwing away your heated air is to keep your home between 68 and 72 degrees while people are home, and between 58 and 62 degrees when the house is empty.

Thermostat

There are several different kinds of thermostats on the market today, at different technological levels. From the most basic to the most high-tech, having the right thermostat can significantly improve your experience with the temperature in your home.

Mechanical or manual thermostat- This is the most basic thermostat. Similar to the way a light switch works, you can "flip" it to the desired temperature, and it will stay there until you "flip" it off.

Digital non-programmable thermostat- These are manually controlled thermostats, but with a digital display, so the temperature is easier to see.

Programmable thermostat- Set your desired temperature, and your thermostat will take it from there. This thermostat regulates temperature on its own based on a pre-entered program. Some will let you set programmed temperatures for each day o the week, for weekdays/ weekends, or one program for the entire week.

Electric Bill

It is no secret that having your heater working at full force 24/7 during the winter is not wise. It may keep you warm, but it will also drive your electricity bill through the roof!

As we mentioned earlier, higher temperatures indoors can lead to more thermal energy loss, so you could be paying more to waste hot air on the outside.

Another tip for keeping your energy bill manageable during the winter is to lower the temperature by about 5 to 10 degrees at night or while no one is at home. You can make up for the loss of warmth at night by investing in warmer flannel sheets and pajamas.

Got some cold weather tips of your own? Leave them in the comments below for our readers to see! If you need heating services this winter, count of Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical to provide them! Give us a call at (517) 339-6300 for service in East Lansing.