It’s a back and forth debate that takes place within any household. One person is comfortable wearing a light sweatshirt at 66 degrees, while another can’t stand when the temperature drops below 72. On top of that, you’ve got to contend with Michigan’s unpredictable fall weather (warm afternoons followed by chilly nights), which makes agreeing on the perfect setting even more of a challenge.
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to the ideal thermostat temperature. However, check out these smart strategies to stay as comfortable as possible without straining your heating system and facing sky-high energy bills.
What Temperature Should Your Home Be During the Day?
The U.S. Department of Energy recommends adjusting your thermostat based on when you’re home, asleep, or away. In fact, setting your thermostat back 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours a day can save as much as 10% annually on heating and cooling costs.
But this isn’t a hard-and-fast rule. Your ideal temperature will depend on your home, heating system and personal preferences. Older adults, babies and people with certain health concerns may also have different temperature needs.
Instead of focusing on that one “correct” number, try to settle on the lowest comfortable temperature for your household.
Should You Lower the Thermostat at Night?
Fall nights in Michigan tend to cool down pretty quickly, even when the days are still warm. Many people sleep better in cooler temperatures, and may feel comfortable lowering the thermostat several degrees overnight. Why pay to heat an empty living room when everyone is sleeping and you have plenty of blankets to keep you warm?
If you wake up freezing, adjust the thermostat the next night and so on until you find that sweet spot.
For easier nighttime adjustments, consider investing in a programmable or smart thermostat that allows you to schedule a temperature drop around bedtime and then a warm-up for the morning.
What About When Nobody Is Home?
Lowering the thermostat while everyone is at work or school can reduce heating energy use.
If you don’t relish the thought of coming home after a long day to a freezing house, that’s another reason to install a programmable or Wi-Fi thermostat. This way, you can schedule the heat to kick on prior to arrival.
Don’t Let Michigan Fall Weather Fool Your Thermostat
In fall, it’s common to need the heat on overnight but not during the days because they’re still relatively sunny and warm.
Jiggling the thermostat up and down every time the outdoor temperature changes can tax your heating system as it struggles to keep up with those demands. It’s smarter to make small adjustments and give the system sufficient time to do its job.
Your Thermostat Can’t Fix Every Comfort Problem
If you’re never truly comfortable in your own home, it may not be the thermostat’s fault.
If it’s 70 degrees in the living room but feels like 62 in an upstairs bedroom, turning the thermostat to 74 just makes the comfortable rooms too warm.
Uneven temperatures can have another root cause, such as:
- Blocked or closed vents
- Dirty air filters
- Airflow problems
- Ductwork issues
- An improperly located thermostat
- Heating equipment that needs service
Could a Wi-Fi Thermostat End the Debate?
A Wi-Fi thermostat can make it easier to manage your home’s temperature much easier, and strike a happy medium between all occupants and their preferences.
With Wi-Fi and smart thermostats, you can create heating schedules, adjust temperatures remotely, and manage temperatures when your heating system is running.
Contact Warm or Breezy Heating & Cooling This Fall
Our Michigan HVAC contractors install Wi-Fi thermostats and can help determine whether upgrading your thermostat makes sense for your home and HVAC system. Call Warm or Breezy Heating & Cooling at (586) 335-3044 to schedule HVAC service or ask about upgrading to a Wi-Fi thermostat this fall.
