What is the Ideal Thermostat Temperature Setting for Winter?
The harsh winters in Canada may seem daunting, but some quick temperature tips can help you enhance home comfort with ease. A general ideal thermostat setting for winter is 68-70℉ (20-22℃). However, adjusting the thermostat according to different needs ensures more comfort and lower energy bills.
Ideal thermostat settings for different conditions in Winter
People often set thermostats at one level and go on with their lives. However, it is not a recommended practice. Rather beneficial to adjust your thermostat levels not only as per season but also according to the time (day, night), demographics of family, etc. Refer to the following points for ideal thermostat settings:
Thermostat Setting For Winters in Daytime
According to Energy Star – Heating Cooling Guide, setting your thermostat at 70℉ (20-22℃) during winter daytime improves energy efficiency and comfort. But, before going away for work, it’s better to dial down temperature levels by at least 5-6 degrees. These small changes also have a significant impact on household expenses.
Thermostat Setting When You Are Not At Home In Winters
Lower the temperature to 62-66°F (i.e. 17-19°C) when you are away, whether on business or vacation. For the efficient functioning of a furnace, the thermostat does not need to maintain a constant temperature. Adjusting temperature levels is a more practical method of maintaining high comfort levels. It reduces the load on appliances and enhances their efficiency.
Winter Nighttime Thermostat Settings
According to Sleep Foundation, you should set the thermostat at 60-67℉ (i.e. 15.6-19.4℃) for sound sleep. As the night draws in, your body consumes less energy and requires less heat. Moreover, blankets and covers keep you warm, making it possible to lower temperature levels.
A too hot bedroom environment affects the quality of sleep and causes fatigue. Thus, set your thermostat at an ideal level for good health.
Thermostat Setting For The Elderly And Babies
The ideal temperature for the elderly and babies during winter is 66-74℉ (i.e. 18-23℃). The elderly and babies are more prone to health issues like hypothermia. One must be careful while setting the thermostat as their bodies may face difficulty adjusting to low temperatures.
As it gets cold during winter, it becomes difficult for their bodies to regulate body temperatures. Insufficient heat may worsen the situation and cause health problems. Therefore, be careful while setting the thermostat temperature for the elderly and babies.
Thermostat Setting For Indoor Plants
Winters can get harsh for indoor plants. They need an ideal temperature of 69.8-80.6°F (21-27℃) for proper growth. The exact temperature and humidity requirements may vary from plant to plant. Click here for more detailed information on maintaining different plants during winters.
Thermostat Setting For Pets
An ideal thermostat setting for dogs when you are away is 60-65°F (15-18℃), but the temperature requirement may vary according to the dog’s size, coat, breed, and age. Adjust a few degrees up and down to see what works the best for your dog.
How do you maintain different thermostat settings?
Now, you know why adjusting thermostat settings in winter is helpful in different situations, so let’s learn how to do it.
A simple way is to adjust the thermostat manually. The downside, it is tiresome, and you are likely to forget it in your hectic routine. No worries! Technology got your back in HVAC as well. Two simple ways of managing different thermostat settings are as follows:
Programmable Thermostats
Programmable thermostats help automate the process of adjusting temperatures. They allow different temperature settings for different needs. The upside, no matter how hectic your day gets, you still save on energy bills as programmable thermostats never forget. They also allow manual adjustment, if needed.
Many companies like Trane, Lennox, etc., offer highly efficient programmable thermostats. The initial cost of a programmable thermostat may seem high, but the savings will subside it.
Refer to Energy Star – Heating and Cooling Guide for setting up a programmable thermostat.
Smart thermostats
Smart thermostats are upgraded versions of programmable thermostats with easy-to-install, automatic optimization, movement sensor, app control, etc., all the unique features. Some smart thermostats can sense your temperature needs and schedule thermostat settings when you are asleep or away from home to maintain a comfortable environment.
There are many smart thermostats available on the market. Refer to this guide to find the top thermostats for 2022. Also, you can find the best central air conditioner in 2022 to work with the thermostat.
In a nutshell, adjusting thermostat settings prepare you well for winter and help you save a considerable amount on fuel and energy expenses.
FAQ
Ideal Thermostat Temperature Setting for Winter?
The ideal temperature setting for a thermostat during winter is typically between 68°F and 72°F (20°C to 22°C) when you're at home, and around 60°F to 65°F (15°C to 18°C) when you're away or sleeping.
Is it recommended to lower the temperature when sleeping or away from home?
Lowering the temperature when sleeping or away from home can help reduce energy consumption and save on heating costs. It's also more comfortable to sleep in a slightly cooler room, and you won't be wasting energy heating an empty house.
How often should I adjust my thermostat temperature during the winter?
It's recommended to set your thermostat at a consistent temperature during the winter months to ensure consistent comfort and energy efficiency. You may need to adjust the temperature if there are significant changes in the weather or if you have a large gathering of people in your home.
Should I use a programmable thermostat to manage my winter heating?
Yes, a programmable thermostat can be an effective way to manage your winter heating, especially if you have a consistent daily routine. You can program your thermostat to automatically lower the temperature when you're away or sleeping, and then raise it again when you're back home.
What other steps can I take to stay warm during winter while keeping my energy costs down?
In addition to setting your thermostat to the ideal temperature, you can also take steps such as sealing air leaks, adding insulation to your home, using draft stoppers on doors, and wearing warm clothing to stay comfortable.
