It’s easy to take the thermostat in your home for granted. During the winter, you raise the temperature when it gets too cold, and lower it when it gets too warm. Or, if you have a programmable thermostat, you set the temperature range you prefer and leave it at that.
You might be surprised to learn that you’re making basic mistakes with your thermostat that cost you in money and comfort. When it comes to your home heating in Mobile, AL, you want to maximize energy use without making comfort sacrifices—and your thermostat gives you a way to do that if you know some best practices.
Below is our guide to thermostat settings for the winter, as well as an important way our team can help you get the most from your home heating.
Lower, Don’t Raise the Thermostat
When the house feels chilly, it’s tempting to crank up the thermostat higher, hoping it will warm things up faster. However, that’s not how your heater works. Whether you set the thermostat at 72°F or 82°F, the heater will heat the air at the same speed. The only difference is that setting the temperature too high can waste energy and make your heater run longer than necessary.
Instead of raising the thermostat drastically, aim for a comfortable, efficient setting and give your system time to reach it. Overheating your home only drives up your utility bills and puts extra wear and tear on your heater.
Ideal Temperature Settings
The US Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 68°F during the day when you’re at home. This temperature keeps your house cozy while still being energy efficient. When you’re away or sleeping, it’s smart to lower the thermostat by 7–10°F. For example, setting it around 60–62°F at night can save you up to 10% on your heating bill over the season without compromising comfort.
Use Those Programmable Features
If you have a programmable thermostat, take full advantage of it! You can pre-set temperature schedules to match your family’s routine—like lowering the heat when everyone leaves in the morning and raising it just before you return.
For the most energy savings, aim to keep the thermostat lower when you’re not home or when everyone is asleep. Consistent use of these features ensures your home is always comfortable while reducing unnecessary heating costs.
We Recommend Upgrading to a Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat
If you’re still using a manual or old programmable thermostat, now is the perfect time to upgrade to a Wi-Fi smart thermostat. These devices make managing your home’s temperature easier than ever. You can control your thermostat from your smartphone, so even if plans change, you can adjust the heat remotely to avoid wasting energy.
Smart thermostats also learn your preferences over time, creating optimized heating schedules without you lifting a finger. Some models track energy usage, helping you identify ways to save even more on your utility bills. We can help you find the right smart thermostat to fit your needs and install it for you to ensure everything works perfectly with your heating system.