Smart Thermostat Settings That Work Best for Bandon’s Coastal Weather

Your thermostat settings have a direct impact on your family’s comfort and energy bills. In Bandon, our coastal climate can affect how warm or cool your home feels, so humidity and temperature both play a role in comfort. The ideal temperature settings provide a starting point that you can adjust to match your family’s comfort needs.

To help you update your thermostat settings, we’ll look at away settings, seasonal changes, and your thermostat placement. For a full evaluation, reach out to Alpha Heating & Air.

Best Thermostat Temperatures: What’s the Ideal Setting?

In general, most homes will feel comfortable at around 68°F during the winter. When summer arrives, 78°F offers a good mixture of energy efficiency and comfort. 

While these are basic temperature recommendations, they can vary from home to home. Your insulation, humidity, ductwork layout, sun exposure, home layout, and personal preferences will all play a role in determining the right temperature range for your home.

Best Thermostat Settings for Winter

When you’re at home in the winter, 68°F is a good temperature setting. To save money without sacrificing comfort, consider lowering the temperature when you are asleep or away. 

You don’t want to create major temperature swings during the day because this can cause your system to work too hard. This is especially true for heat pumps and high-efficiency systems. Some heat pumps may activate auxiliary heat during large temperature setbacks or recovery periods, increasing energy use. Because of this, it’s best to keep your temperature setback to just a couple of degrees.

Best Thermostat Settings for Summer

During summer, 78°F is a good starting point. You should adjust this temperature based on your family’s comfort. Higher humidity makes your home feel warmer because it reduces your body’s ability to cool itself through evaporation. As a result, coastal homes may feel different at the same indoor temperature as a home that is a few miles inland.

To save money on energy costs, consider installing a ceiling fan. A ceiling fan circulates air so that rooms feel cooler without lowering the thermostat.

When You’re Home vs. When You’re Away

Homeowners can save up to 10% on their energy bills each year by setting back the temperature 7°F to 10°F for just 8 hours a day. This works out to around 61°F when you’re away during the winter and 85°F during the summer.

Extreme setbacks should be avoided. They create longer recovery times and can make your home uncomfortable. Additionally, you may need to have smaller setbacks if you have pets or plants at home when you’re gone.

Best Thermostat Settings for Vacation

If you are on vacation, you can raise the temperature by around 5°F to 10°F during the summer. During wintertime vacations, you can generally set the temperature between 50°F and 65°F. You should have a vacation setting below 50°F because this can cause your pipes to freeze.

With a smart thermostat, you can easily adjust your temperature settings for different times of day. Smart thermostats are also ideal for vacations because they let you monitor and change the temperature remotely.

Nighttime Thermostat Settings for Better Sleep

For most adults, the best temperature for sleep is between 60°F and 67°F. People sleep better in cooler temperatures. However, you want to avoid overcorrecting and causing your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system to run all night. For the best efficiency, opt for schedules instead of using manual changes every night.

Special Comfort Needs: Pets, Infants, and Houseplants

If your home contains pets, infants, houseplants, or vulnerable family members, you’ll need a temperature setting to match.

What Temperature Should You Keep Your House at With Pets at Home?

To ensure your pets are safe, you should set your thermostat between 68°F and 78°F. You can use the low side of this range during the winter and the high side of this range in the summer.

What Is the Best Temperature for an Infant?

Babies should not become too hot or too cold. According to the latest guidance, it’s best to keep your thermostat between 68°F and 72°F if there is an infant in your household.

What Thermostat Temperature Is Best for Houseplants?

Most houseplants tend to do well between 65°F and 75°F. If you have tropical houseplants, the air temperature can go up to 78°F. For best results, avoid placing your houseplants next to any vents or drafts.

Where Is the Best Place To Install a Thermostat?

Ideally, your thermostat should be installed on an interior wall in a room you use frequently. You should not place it in direct sunlight. Similarly, spaces near windows, doors, fireplaces, and supply vents should be avoided because they can give a false reading and lead to comfort issues.

Benefits of a Smart Thermostat

By investing in a smart thermostat, you can enjoy a few key benefits by upgrading from your existing thermostat.

• Convenient automatic scheduling
• Remote access when you’re traveling or at work
• Geofencing options that switch on your HVAC system when you’re close enough
• Advanced features that learn your habits
• Insights into your energy use

Don’t Forget Your Air Filter

When your air filter is dirty, it can cause poor airflow and extended run times. This can strain your system and cause uneven temperatures. By replacing your air filters regularly, you can improve your energy efficiency and enjoy a more comfortable home.

Other Ways To Save Energy Year-Round

Besides upgrading to a smart thermostat, there are a few other things you can do to optimize your energy efficiency.

• Use fans correctly in the summer and winter so that they provide a welcome breeze in the summer and redistribute warm air in the winter.
• Seal air leaks around windows and doors.
• Ensure your vents and returns are open and unobstructed.
• Close your blinds and curtains to keep heat out during hot summer days.
• Schedule a seasonal HVAC tune-up in spring and fall.
• Get a ductwork inspection if your rooms are consistently uncomfortable.

When To Call the Pros

You should reach out for professional help if your thermostat’s reading doesn’t match the room temperature or if the system runs constantly. Uneven room temperatures, inexplicable increases in energy bills, and outdated thermostats are all signs you need professional help.

Dealing with poor HVAC performance? Reach out to Alpha Heating & Air for your next thermostat installation, HVAC maintenance, or duct inspection.

Optimize Your Thermostat for Year-Round Comfort

With the best thermostat settings, you can balance comfort and energy efficiency. Start with the recommended temperatures, and then make adjustments based on your family’s comfort preferences.

Book your next thermostat upgrade today to optimize your home’s comfort.