A furnace is a home heating system that heats indoor spaces through the movement of hot air. Since the furnace is a very important appliance in your house, you don’t want to turn it on and realize it is not functional on a frigid winter day. Before the winter chill takes hold, the most crucial thing you need to do for yourself and for your family is to make sure that your furnace is in good shape, is safe, and is as energy efficient as you can make it. One way to balance your comfort with energy efficiency is by keeping your furnace operating at the right temperature.
The Ideal Furnace Temperature During Winter
Many homeowners are unaware of the recommended furnace settings when the temperature drops. If you ask everyone in the house about their desired temperature for the thermostat, you will receive as many answers as the number of people.
Now that the air is colder outside, what is the best temperature to set your furnace during winter? Answering this question is not as easy as quoting one specific temperature as different families have different heating demands. However, the average temperature for furnaces during winter weather is 68 degrees Fahrenheit. You need to set your thermostat to the perfect temperature for winter to ensure that you do not overburden your furnace, causing it to utilize additional energy.
General Recommendations for Winter Thermostat Settings
Although everyone’s description for too cold or too warm is different, the recommended temperature for furnaces is around 70 degrees Fahrenheit if you spend time in the house during the day. If nobody is in the house during the day, set the furnace temperature several degrees cooler. The temperatures when you are away should range between 62 and 66 degrees.
You will save a considerable amount of energy by lowering how much you heat your vacant house. However, ensure you do not turn off the thermostat completely because this can lead to issues such as frozen plumbing. You can also set the thermostat to go back to the average temperature of 68 degrees before the first person gets back home. At night, set your furnace to 65 degrees, and set the heater to resume to 68 degrees before morning arrives.
Why Worry About Furnace Temperatures During Winter
Why worry about thermostat settings during winter? If furnace temperatures are not regulated, you will consume excess energy, and your furnace will have to work harder, leading to extra wear and tear. Although the ideal temperature is an individual’s choice, it is imperative to set temperatures that will keep you cozy during winter without creating unreasonably expensive bills every month. If you want to minimize heating costs, keeping the thermostat at a lower setting and adding extra layers of clothing can be a good method to do this.
One of the best ways to carefully regulate your furnace operation is to install a programmable thermostat. A programmable thermostat helps to maximize the amount of energy saved without interfering with your home comfort. These thermostats offer you the ability to set different temperatures for different times of the day. For instance, you can set a program to turn on the furnace before you wake up and turn the heat down after you leave for work. If you want to return to a warm home in the evening, simply program the thermostat to kick on the furnace 30 minutes or so before you arrive.
Types of Furnaces and Their Ideal Winter Temperatures
A furnace is an integral component of your HVAC system. However, not all furnaces will operate perfectly in your home. Therefore, if you want to get the ideal furnace type, it is imperative to select carefully. All furnace types have different initial costs, maintenance costs, and operating costs.
Also, ensure that the size of the furnace matches the needs of your house. For instance, a very small furnace will not adequately heat the home properly. On the other hand, a massive furnace will keep turning on and off unnecessarily, making the unit require regular maintenance. The various types of furnaces include the following.
Natural Gas Furnaces
Natural gas furnaces, also known as gas units, are common because they are more economical and cost effective than other types of furnaces. This type uses natural gas for combustion. It gets fueled by an external gas line. Unlike older gas furnaces, which were only about 60% efficient, modern gas furnaces can be up to 95% efficient. The average temperature to set your gas furnace during winter is 66 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit. However, temperatures differ widely by region.
Oil Furnaces
Oil furnaces are not as common or as efficient as natural gas furnaces. With this type of furnace, heat is produced through combustion and uses oil as its fuel. Oil furnaces are cost effective and relatively easy to maintain, and they emit heat faster since oil burns faster.
Electric Furnaces
Homes can be heated in various ways to keep occupants cozy in winter weather. Electric furnaces are more affordable, are easier to install than gas furnaces, and have longer lifespans. Electric furnaces, unlike other furnaces, function using a completely different concept and work by producing heat from an array of electric heating elements.
As a homeowner, you can invest in an electric furnace to keep your home warm during the winter weather. The ideal winter temperatures while using an electric furnace are between 66 degrees Fahrenheit and 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Contact [company_name] because we have a team of skilled technicians who have dealt with furnace installation for many years. We also have specialized tools, equipment, and knowledge and have served the residents of Flower Mound and surrounding areas since 1969.
Propane Furnaces
Propane is a carbon-based fuel that is a by-product of oil and gas production. Propane furnaces apply the same concept as the other furnaces, but propane is burned in place of oil or gas and applies resistance to generate heat.
A propane furnace is common because it offers a clean, secure, and cost-effective heating commodity that is always reliable and available. It comes in various grades, with the high grades being used for residential purposes. It provides immediate heat and minimal emissions. With a propane furnace, you can sufficiently adjust your home’s temperatures to suit your needs perfectly. During winter weather, the temperature setting for these furnaces should range between 68 and 72 degrees.
Summing Up
Although 68 degrees Fahrenheit is the best temperature for winter weather, you can always adjust if you are uncomfortable or prone to feeling chilly. If the temperatures are a bit uncomfortable, you might need to put on warm clothing to stay cozy indoors.
If you are in need of furnace repair, heating installation, or heating maintenance, the [company_name] team is ready to help you. We also offer cooling services, indoor air quality solutions, and commercial HVAC services. We provide installation financing for those with approved credit and offer specials throughout the year.