Temperature Guide: What’s the Best Thermostat Setting for a MN Winter?
Winter is upon us, and that can mean only one thing: It’s getting real cold out there!
A Minnesota winter is one of the longest, coldest, most harsh winters you can find in our civilization. So, you obviously need a great heating component such as a furnace or a heat pump.
Aside from that, you must be wondering what would be the best temperature to set your thermostat throughout the cold winter months. Well, you’ve come to the right place.
Here is your guide to setting your thermostat in the winter!
The Ideal Winter Thermostat Setting
During a Minnesota winter, you will want to set your thermostat at an average of 68 degrees. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, setting your thermostat at 68 degrees will give you the ideal indoor temperature for winter while saving you 10% on your yearly heating expenses!
When you have a temperature as low as 68 degrees, the furnace won’t heat to push out warm air as hard, which can help with overall heat loss in your home.
Follow the 5-Degree Rule
A coming rule of thumb for wintertime thermostat etiquette is the 5-degree rule. When you leave the home or are about to go to sleep, drop your thermostat by 5 degrees. When you fall asleep, your body craves a cooler temperature as your body needs to cool down before drifting off.
Additionally, turning your thermostat down 5 degrees in the winter is also recommended as well. The reasoning behind this is you can save over 1% on annual heating costs.
When you’re asleep or gone from your home, a couple of degrees difference isn’t going to matter, but those couple extra dollars in your pocket will!
Get a Programmable Thermostat
To skip all the complications of remembering to manually change the thermostat, you can opt for installing a programmable thermostat for your HVAC system! Programmable thermostats are either electromechanical, digital, or a mix of the two.
You can set what your temperature fluctuations will be during the day and night time, so you can skip the hassle of adjusting before you leave your home or go to sleep. These programmable thermostats even have a daylight savings setting, so the temperature of your household will never miss a beat!
One option that is becoming more popular is to install a smart thermostat. A smart thermostat connects to your home’s wifi and can control your home’s heating and cooling. You can control it via an app on your phone or with voice commands, depending on the type.
Smart thermostats can also learn your habits and will know when to increase or decrease the temperature. Through this method, you can save more money during the winter months.
Other HVAC Tips for Winter Heating
There are other ways to help your home heat at optimal efficiency during the winter months. First of all, when you first turn on your furnace for the season, be wary of any strange smells. Contact a technician immediately if you smell something that doesn’t seem right.
One simple rule of thumb is to change your furnace filter regularly. This is important because the debris caught in the filter can hinder your furnace from working properly.
While you’re at it, or if you don’t feel comfortable changing the filter, you can always have Quality Systems Heating & Cooling perform a furnace inspection and tune-up.
Make sure you cover your A/C condenser outside if you have one. Harsh weather and critters can damage your A/C during the winter.
Another good tip is to ensure your vents are not blocked by furniture or other obstructions. Blocked vents can hinder your airflow into the home, so you’ll have colder areas than you might like.
You should also block drafts from windows and doors to keep the cold air out and the warm air inside.
Request a Quote From Quality Systems Heating & Cooling
When you need a reliable and trustworthy HVAC service to keep your house warm all winter, call on Quality Systems Heating & Cooling! We offer service on all your heating needs including heat pumps and furnace repair or replacement.
Additionally, ask us about our financing options. Get a free quote online or give us a call at 952-226-2665 today!