As the seasons change and we try to shake up our routines, we start to wonder how we can have a more efficient home. We organize the cupboards, install new special energy-saving lights and appliances, and try our best to turn the lights off when we’re not in the room. Let’s be honest though: we sometimes forget.
Another thing we begin wondering about is the temperature of our home. We wonder if our thermostat is set at a reasonable temperature. Maybe we have it too high and feel ourselves sweating at night. On the flipside, maybe we have it too cool and have to bundle up just to feel comfortable.
There is a proper balance and some general guidelines that can be followed, depending on the season.
In the Summer
In the summer, it can be easy to turn on the air conditioning at the first sign of any heat or mugginess. The humidity presents a unique challenge and makes it difficult to know what temperature to have your thermostat set at. If you’re using air conditioning in Mandurah, it’s advised to set the thermostat around 78 degrees. This will keep the home cool enough on those super hot days, but won’t make the unit turn on as soon as the sun starts to rise.
In the Winter
In the winter, the temperature should be set lower or the heater will be running at all hours of the day and night. This can cause utility bills to skyrocket, sometimes so high that a payment plan is needed.
Instead, set the temperature at a comfortable 68 degrees. This is warm enough that you can walk around in a long-sleeved shirt but not have to wear many layers in the house. Your body won’t be shivering to keep warm and you won’t need to bundle up on the couch under blankets, unable to get anything done because you’re so cold. You’ll be warm, but not unnaturally so.
Keep Energy Savings in Mind
Whenever you’re setting your thermostat, whether it be winter or summer, keep energy savings in mind. Even if you don’t think you need to save on heating and cooling costs, by keeping the temperature at a reasonable level, you’re helping the environment. Its really a good thing all around. Help the environment and save money, all without any effort on your part. If you’re really serious about saving energy, you could throw on a sweater in the winter and turn down the heat, or wear less clothing in the summer and run the air conditioner less often.
These temperatures are just guidelines and aren’t right for every home. You may need to adjust them if you have heat or cold sensitive people in your home, like the elderly or a newborn baby. However, they’re a good guideline to strive for that straddles the line between efficiency and comfort in an appropriate way. As the seasons change, remember to check your thermostat and have your heating and cooling system serviced for maximum efficiency!