Home is the one place where you should always feel comfortable. Unfortunately, the changing seasons in Iowa can cause great discomfort if you don’t adjust the indoor temperature accordingly. That’s why your thermostat is your best friend during the summer and winter months. This device allows you to create your ideal environment at the touch of a button. All you have to do is find the right temperature setting.
Not sure what a good temperature is for your space? Bell Brothers are here to help. Check out the guide below to see our recommended thermostat settings for summer and winter.
What Is a Reasonable Thermostat Temperature for a House in the Summer?
If you live in Iowa, you know how hot and humid the summer months can get. Thankfully, air conditioning offers relief from this uncomfortable environment. The key to indoor comfort is setting your thermostat to the right temperature. Follow these tips to maintain a balance between comfort, energy efficiency, and energy costs all season long.
- Don’t go below 70 degrees: Setting your thermostat below 70 degrees Fahrenheit could cause the air conditioner to malfunction or break down, leaving you with no cool air.
- Don’t go above 80 degrees: Setting your thermostat above 80 degrees will cause the humidity level in your home to become unbearable. Stick between 70 and 80 degrees for optimal indoor comfort and monthly savings.
If your current thermostat is on the fritz, consider installing a programmable or smart thermostat. A programmable thermostat allows you to create a temperature schedule based on your daily activities. For example, you can increase the temperature when you’re sleeping or at work during the day to save on energy costs.
A smart thermostat is similar to a programmable thermostat but goes a step further by adjusting the temperature automatically based on your cooling schedule. Over time, it will learn what temperatures you prefer when you’re at home, sleeping, and away from home, so you don’t have to worry about changing the temperature manually or adjusting the cooling schedule yourself. That way, you can avoid wasting energy when no one is home and can come home to a comfortable environment.
What Is a Reasonable Thermostat Temperature for a House in the Winter?
While Iowa is hot and humid in the summer, it becomes frigid in the winter, with temperatures dipping into the teens. With that kind of cold, proper home heating is essential. Here are some tips to stay comfortable throughout the winter months.
- Determine your ideal temperature, and keep the thermostat setting within five to eight degrees of it at all times. If your ideal temperature is 70 degrees Fahrenheit, don’t go below 62 degrees or above 78 degrees.
- The recommended thermostat setting when you’re at home in the winter is 68 degrees Fahrenheit.
- When in doubt, set the temperature lower rather than higher. If you get chilly, you can always layer with more clothes or cuddle under a blanket to stay cozy.
The Ideal Temperature for Sleeping
Did you know the temperature in your home affects your quality of sleep? A study conducted by the National Institute of Health (NIH) showed that excess exposure to heat increases wakefulness and interrupts your REM cycle, whereas exposure to cold temperatures doesn’t impact sleep patterns.
Keep the temperature between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit when you’re sleeping. Doing so will not only improve your quality of sleep but also reduce your energy bills in the winter by conserving energy, as fewer heat cycles will run when they aren’t needed. This simple step will also enhance the longevity of your HVAC system by minimizing daily wear and tear.
The Ideal Temperature for Plants
People aren’t the only ones who require the right temperature setting to stay comfortable indoors. Your plant babies do too. Plants thrive in environments ranging anywhere from 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. If you go below 50 degrees or above 85 degrees, your plants will suffer.
Recommended Thermostat Placement Guidelines
It’s not just about what temperature you set your thermostat to; where you install it is just as important. We recommend installing it in an interior wall near the center of your home to allow for optimal airflow throughout the most used rooms. Proper thermostat placement helps improve energy efficiency and increase cost savings.
Where to Avoid Placing Your Thermostat
Whatever you do, don’t place your thermostat close to a heat source. Otherwise, the heat source will reduce your home’s energy efficiency. Here are a few locations to avoid.
- In direct sunlight
- Above air vents
- In the kitchen
- In a hallway
- By doors or windows
What Size AC Do I Need?
Before we talk about an ideal temperature for summer and winter, it’s important to first talk about the unit itself. A lot of people might be surprised to learn that their air conditioner could be too big for their house. When a system is too large, it costs more to run and it’s harder to control the humidity level.
A homeowner might try to save money by turning off the unit completely, but when it’s not running it’s also not dehumidifying. A humid house will feel much hotter than it actually is. This causes people to turn the temperature lower, which makes the air conditioner work harder without addressing the humidity level.
A smaller unit that is right-sized for your home will use less energy, which means it can run more often and constantly control the humidity level. You’ll likely feel more comfortable in a house that’s set at 75 degrees with a lower humidity level than you would in a home that was set at 68 degrees with a higher humidity level.
Bell Brothers Home Comfort
Is your outdated thermostat causing problems? It may be time to replace it. Bell Brothers has you covered with an energy-efficient smart thermostat. This programmable thermostat is wifi-enabled, allowing you to change the temperature of your home from anywhere with a mobile device. Schedule a thermostat installation appointment today to start enjoying optimal comfort and energy savings.
