Figuring out a comfortable indoor temperature for every season without skyrocketing your monthly utility expenses isn’t easy. You need to find the perfect temperature that’s both comfortable and reasonable for your wallet. That’s why the Air Unlimited Heating & Cooling team put together a guide to help you find the best temperature for your home that won’t raise your energy costs.
Air Unlimited Heating & Cooling are some of the best air conditioning professionals in Leawood, KS. We specialize in installing, maintaining, and repairing heating and cooling systems, so your home stays comfortable year-round. We’ve helped countless Leawood residents repair and maintain their HVAC units, and we can do the same for you at a price that fits your budget.
Why Finding a Comfortable and Logical Indoor Temperature is Important
It’s no secret that extreme temperatures can take a toll on your monthly utility bills. Scorching summer temperatures often cause us to set our thermostats to frigid climates, while chilly winter nights drive us to warmer indoor temperatures. However, it’s easy to go overboard when searching for the perfect indoor temperature, significantly increasing your monthly expenses.
Finding a reasonable yet comfortable indoor temperature for every season will keep your home feeling pleasant without escalating your utility payments. It allows you to beat the heat during the dog days of summer while staying warm and cozy during the chilliest winter months.
Although everyone has a different ideal room temperature, the ones we provide will help you find the perfect indoor climate for your home.
Spring
Spring’s fluctuating temperatures make it hard to find the perfect indoor climate. It often has moderately high afternoon temperatures that substantially dip into the evening.
Turning your HVAC system off during the day while heating your home at night is one of the best ways to combat spring’s ever-changing temperatures. However, spring weather usually gets progressively hotter as it nears its end, requiring you to adjust your thermostat accordingly. Once nighttime temperatures reach 50 degrees or higher, it’s best to stop using your heater.
Spring typically doesn’t have blistering hot temperatures. Opening a few windows during the afternoon should adequality cool your home without requiring you to turn on your air conditioner. Try using your AC system as little as possible during the spring to increase your energy savings.
Summer
Coping with scorching summer temperatures without skyrocketing your utility bill is extremely difficult, especially if you live in a tropical climate. Although most people will experience a slight energy payment increase due to their heightened AC usage, it shouldn’t elevate drastically.
Most homeowners will remain comfortable setting their thermostat between 72 to 77 degrees during the summer. However, setting your thermostat to 72 degrees throughout the season can put immense strain on your air conditioner, increasing your energy expenses. You want to find alternative ways to cool your home without stressing your heating and cooling system.
Try looking for new and inventive ways to beat the summer heat without using your AC system. Shutting your window blinds to block scorching sun rays is an efficient and cost-effective way to keep your home cool during the hot summer season. Setting up a few oscillating fans will also chill your home without requiring your air conditioner.
If you plan on taking a vacation this summer, remember to turn off your air conditioner before departing. If you live in a tropical climate, you may want to set your thermostat around 88 degrees to prevent your home from becoming unbearably hot while you’re away. This will conserve energy while you enjoy your summer vacation.
Fall
Fall is another season with fluctuating temperatures, making it hard to find a comfortable indoor climate. Since most people run their air conditioning system throughout the summer, it’s best to give your AC a break once fall approaches.
Once the outdoor temperature reaches around 70 degrees at night, open a few windows to cool your home while you sleep. This will reduce your energy costs while giving you a comfortable indoor temperature. You can also turn a fan or two on to increase your cooling efficiency.
You should also open windows and utilize fans during 70-degree days. The moderate climate allows you to enjoy comfortable temperatures before the harsh winter rolls through.
Try to keep an eye on the weather so you can adjust your indoor climate accordingly. You may need to use your heating and cooling system sometime during the fall, but use it sparingly to avoid high energy expenses.
Winter
Once winter hits, homeowners put their AC unit on hiatus and use their heater to keep their homes warm and cozy. Many people set their thermostat to 70 degrees or higher during the winter season like they do to their air conditioner during the summer. However, this will drastically increase your utility bill, forcing you to shell out more cash than you should.
Setting your thermostat between 64 to 66 degrees during the day takes much-needed stress off your heater, keeping your monthly utility payments affordable. It’s also a good idea to wear layers inside your home to increase your warmth without increasing your heater usage. Wearing long socks, sweaters, and jackets will keep you warm and cozy while reducing your heater’s strain.
Also, take advantage of a fireplace if you have one in your home. It will supplement your heating costs and give your home a calming, cozy feel. Snuggling up next to a fire with a warm cup of hot chocolate or tea is a surefire way to stay warm during the chilly winter season.
Setting your thermostat lower than 64 degrees while you sleep can also decrease your monthly energy payments without sacrificing comfort. Adding various blankets and sheets to your bed while wearing warm pajamas will keep you comfy during chilly winter nights. Purchasing a heated blanket will also increase your warmth as well as your comfort level.
Some people take winter vacations during the holidays to visit friends and family. Before leaving on your winter excursion, set your thermostat five degrees lower than your usual setting. This will prevent your pipes from freezing and reduce your energy expenses while you enjoy your holiday trip.
The Humidity Factor
Humidity levels play an essential part in our indoor and outdoor comfort.
Low humidity during chilly weather often makes us feel colder, while high humidity in hot climates decreases our comfortability. The ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers) suggests that 45% to 55% humidity is ideal for most homes.
It’s best to keep an eye on your region’s humidity level and adjust your home’s temperature accordingly.
If you live in a low humidity region, you can purchase a humidifier to help your home stay comfortable year-round. Although whole-house humidifiers can reach up to $1000, it’s a small price to pay for superior indoor comfort.
Contact Air Unlimited Heating & Cooling for Professional HVAC Services in Leawood, KS
Air Unlimited Heating & Cooling is your source for high-quality HVAC maintenance, repair, and installation services in Leawood, KS. Our team will have your heating and cooling system working better than ever at a price that fits your budget. We will help you reach a comfortable indoor temperature while providing outstanding customer service.
Whether you need emergency HVAC repair or want to learn why your heat pump is blowing cold air, the Air Unlimited team is here for you. Contact Air Unlimited Heating & Cooling at (816) 286-7258 and schedule your appointment today!