What Temperature Should I Set My Thermostat?

We’ve all been there–one second, you’re hot, and the next, you’re cold. Of course, the radically unpredictable Midwest weather between seasons and even days doesn’t help either!

With these general guidelines and tips on thermostat settings, we’ll help save you some stress, money, and maybe even an argument or two at your home or office!

 

What is the optimal comfortable temperature for a home?

The truth is there’s no perfect answer. At the end of the day, your home’s temperature could range anywhere between 68-78 degrees depending on the season, the people in your home, how often you’re gone, etc. 

 

What do I keep my thermostat at during the summer and winter?

During the summer, the most efficient temperature is 78 degrees, but with our boys coming in and out of the house, letting in the sticky air, we keep our home at 68 degrees. Our dog, Taxi, loves how cold we keep it, too! 

Remember, you don’t want to waste money and cool an empty home, so when away, turn your thermostat up, and at night, raise the temperature a few degrees.   

The most efficient temperature is 68 degrees during the winter, but we keep our home at a toasty 72 degrees. Heat rises, so it gets a little drafty in our two-story home when we’re all cozied up on the couch downstairs! 

When you go out of town, lower your thermostat, but don’t dip below 55 degrees; otherwise, your pipes could freeze, and that could be an expensive fix. At night, lower the heat, but make sure to bundle up in fuzzy socks and drink some tea before bed!

A few days ago, I was so cold and kept complaining to my husband, Dustin. Finally, he turned to me and told me to turn the temperature up. The initial temperature you set isn’t the end all be all–you can always change it if it doesn’t feel right!  

 

What is the optimal comfortable temperature for an office?

We all know how it goes–it’s a race to the thermostat during work hours! With so many people in the office, deciding on a temperature can be tricky–one person likes it hot; the other wants it cold. Just like the temperature, the opinions can even be polarizing! 

Generally, the temperature range that will suit most people is 68-74 degrees. For example, in the winter, you could set the thermostat from 68-70 degrees and 70-74 degrees in the summer.

Remember, each office will have a unique set of factors to determine the heating and cooling, like the size, people, floor, etc. For example, smaller offices contain heat better, while rooms with higher ceilings are harder to cool. So, take these factors into account as well as employee input to keep the peace at work!

At the end of the day, whether it’s summer or winter, or the home or office, there’s no perfect answer for the ideal temperature; it all comes down to comfort level (and whatever it’ll take to minimize the arguments)! 

If you have any more specific questions regarding your HVAC system during changing seasons, call one of our trusted professionals at 816. 719. 1099. We’re happy and ready to help.