If you plan to be away from your home during the winter, you will need to set your thermostat to prevent your pipes from freezing. But you also want to set the temperature low enough to save money on your energy bill. How can you find the perfect balance?
During the winter, you should set your thermostat to 55 degrees if you plan on leaving your home for an extended period of time. This temperature will prevent your pipes from freezing at night time but will also use less energy, so you don't have an expensive bill when you get back.
Making these changes to your thermostat will conserve energy and save you money. In this article, we will discuss the ideal winter thermostat setting for when you're away from home. In addition, we will answer other frequently asked questions about conserving energy during the colder months, so let's get to it!
The best thermostat temperature when away in the winter
If you live in a region where the temperatures drop significantly at night and during the winter season, then it's essential to take extra care of your home while you're away. If your pipes freeze, they can burst and cause significant water damage to your home.
To prevent this from happening, you should set your thermostat to 55 degrees when you leave for an extended period of time. This will keep your pipes from freezing and bursting, but it will also save you money on your energy bill since 55 degrees is the lowest temperature at which a home should be heated.
You may think that 55 degrees are too cold for your home, but when you aren't there to feel the temperature, it won't make much difference. Setting your thermostat to this temperature will save you money in the long run since you won't be using as much energy to heat your home.
However, if you have pets or plants you're worried about, you can set your thermostat to higher temperatures of 60-65 degrees. This will still prevent your pipes from freezing, but it will give you some peace of mind knowing that your pets and plants are comfortable while you're away.
It is also a good idea to have a friend or family member check on your home while you're gone to ensure that everything is running smoothly. If there are any issues with your heating system, they can take care of it for you.
Should I get a programmable thermostat?
If you leave your home frequently throughout the winter, it might be a good idea to invest in a programmable thermostat. This type of thermostat allows you to set different temperatures for different times of the day to have your home heated when you need it and save money when you don't.
For example, you can set your thermostat to 55 degrees when you leave for work in the morning and then have it automatically turn up to 60 or 65 degrees an hour before you come home. This way, your home will be nice and warm when you walk in the door, but you won't be paying to heat your home all day long.
Programmable thermostats are a great way to save money and energy, so if you're frequently away from home during the winter, they're worth considering.
What are some other ways to save energy in the winter?
In addition to setting your thermostat to 55 degrees when you're away from home, there are a few other ways to conserve energy and save money during the winter.
First, it's a good idea to seal any cracks or gaps around your doors and windows to prevent drafts from coming in. You can do this yourself with some weatherstripping or caulk, or hire a professional to do it for you.
Another way to save energy is to invest in heavy curtains or blinds for your windows. This will help keep the heat in and the cold out, so your home will be more comfortable, and you won't have to use as much energy to heat it.
Finally, make sure that you're using energy-efficient light bulbs throughout your home. LED bulbs are a great option because they use less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs, and they last a lot longer.
You can save energy and money this winter without sacrificing your comfort by following these simple tips.
What temperature is the best for sleeping?
If you have been struggling to get a good night's sleep, the temperature of your bedroom may be to blame. Studies have shown that the ideal temperature for sleeping is between 60-67 degrees Fahrenheit.
If your bedroom is too hot or too cold, it can disrupt your sleep and make it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. So if you're having trouble sleeping, try adjusting the temperature of your bedroom until you find a comfortable level.
You may also want to consider investing in a quality mattress and bedding to ensure that you're as comfortable as possible when you sleep. A good mattress can make a world of difference when it comes to getting a good night's rest, so it's worth the investment if you're having trouble sleeping.
This is another situation where a programmable thermostat can come in handy. By setting your thermostat to the ideal temperature for sleeping, you can make sure that your bedroom is always at a comfortable level, and you'll get the restful sleep you need.
Why is my energy bill so high in the winter?
There are a few possible explanations if you're noticing a spike in your energy bill during the winter.
First, it's important to remember that heating your home takes more energy than cooling, so your energy usage will naturally be higher in the winter. If you live in a particularly cold climate, your heating costs may be higher.
In addition, your home may not be as energy-efficient as it could be, which means that you're losing heat through cracks and gaps in your doors and windows. This is why it's so important to seal any drafts in your home - it can help you save money on your energy bill.
Also, people tend to spend more time at home during the winter, which means that they're using more energy to heat their homes. If you have a large family or frequently entertain guests, this can also contribute to a higher energy bill.
Lastly, it may be time to have your furnace serviced. An inefficient furnace has to work harder to heat your home, which uses more energy and costs you more money.
Having your furnace serviced by a professional can help to improve its efficiency and help you save money on your energy bill.
What is the ideal temperature when I'm home during the winter?
The ideal temperature during the winter will vary depending on your personal preferences. However, if you want to save money and be comfortable, the best temperature is 68 degrees Fahrenheit.
At this temperature, you should feel warm enough to be comfortable without wearing a lot of layers, but you won't be so warm that you start to sweat. This temperature is also energy-efficient, so you'll save money on your energy bill.
Pipes froze in the home - What to do?
In the unfortunate circumstance that your pipes have frozen, there are a few things that you can do to try and thaw them out.
First, turn on the faucet closest to the frozen pipe so that water can start flowing through it. This will help to melt the ice that is blocking the pipe.
Next, apply heat to the frozen section of the pipe. You can use a hairdryer, a space heater, or a heat lamp. Do not use an open flame as it could damage the pipe.
Check for other frozen pipes in your home and repeat the process until all of the pipes are thawed out.
Once the pipes are thawed, turn on all of the faucets in your home to help flush out any water that may have been sitting in the pipes. Call a plumber to inspect your pipes and make any necessary repairs. This will help prevent your pipes from freezing again in the future.
Final Thoughts
There are a few things that you can do to prepare your home for winter and help you save money on your energy bill. When you leave your home, don't set the temperature under 55 degrees Fahrenheit. You don't want to come home to frozen pipes!
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