San Diego winters are considered very mild, but try saying this to a local San Diego resident who is used to always being very comfortable both outdoors and inside the house. So, what does a comfortable temperature mean to you? What Thermostat Temperature is Best for the Winter? Do you believe the ideal temperature for your home in winter is 72 degrees? Is it what you set your thermostat to? Research shows that reducing the thermostat temperature to 68 degrees will let you be just as comfortable. Your body won’t notice the difference and you will be saving a lot of money on your heating bill.

The Benefits of Heating Your Home to 68 Degrees

For every degree you reduce the heat in your home, you will save between one to three percent on the cost of heat. One way to reduce it from 72 degrees is to set it to 70 degrees and see if everyone is still comfortable. Assuming they are, wait a week or two and then reduce it to 68 degrees.

You should reduce the heat when people are away from home or asleep. A good target is reducing the thermostat temperature to 62 degrees in both of these cases. This will go a long way toward lowering your heating costs.

Thermostat Options for Heating Your Home

If you don’t have a programmable thermostat, it is a good idea to get one. You can set a schedule for these to automatically heat your home to desired temperatures. You can set a lower temperature for when everyone leaves for work or school in the morning. You then have the thermostat set for a higher temperature a little while before people start arriving at home. An even better option is a smart thermostat. These will figure out your schedule and automatically change the temperature depending on when you’re active in the home, you’re away or you have gone to bed. A smart thermostat will result in markedly lowering your heating bill, thereby paying for itself.

Other Ways to Control Temperature Inside Your Home

There are lots of other ways to make sure you and your family members are comfortable at home while keeping your energy bills under control.

  • Have your furnace inspected annually to make sure it receives proper required maintenance.
  • Test for heat loss around the windows or door jambs by using a flashlight. If light shines through the crack in a door or window, you will know that you are losing heat. If you find any cracks, seal them immediately.
  • Dress warmly and bundle up, even inside the home. You and your family will be less reliant on your heating system. Perhaps you would be able to turn down the thermostat another degree.
  • Place your thermostat on a wall that is not in the path of direct sunlight or frequent drafts to ensure it is performing at its best.
  • Invest in a cozy rug to prevent the heated air from escaping through the wooden floors.
  • Reduce the strain on your HVAC unit by changing the filters regularly. The unit that is stuffed with dust and debris is unhealthy and might waste you a lot of money.

Home Heating Help from Experts

Atlas HVAC, INC provides heating and air-conditioning service throughout the greater San Diego area. We bring San Diego homeowners professional and quality services at reasonable prices, including emergency service and routine maintenance. Please contact us today with any questions.