When temperatures drop below zero, it’s important to balance comfort, energy efficiency, and protecting your home. Here are some key recommendations for setting your furnace temperature in extremely cold weather:
- Daytime temperature: Set your thermostat between 68°F and 72°F (20°C to 22°C) when you’re awake and at home. This range provides a good balance between comfort and energy efficiency.
- Nighttime temperature: At night, you can lower the temperature to around 65°F (18°C). This slight reduction can help save energy while still maintaining comfort for sleeping.
- When away: If you’re leaving the house, don’t set the temperature lower than 55°F (13°C) to prevent pipes from freezing.
- Continuous operation: In subzero temperatures, it’s normal and okay for your furnace to run almost continuously. It may run for close to 60 minutes per hour to maintain the desired temperature.
- Avoid drastic changes: Don’t set your thermostat too high thinking it will warm your home faster. This doesn’t work and can waste energy.
- Consider your home’s thermal mass: Even in below-zero weather, your home’s structure resists temperature change, which can help maintain indoor temperatures.
- Use supplemental heat wisely: If you use space heaters, don’t place them near the main thermostat as this can cause the furnace to shut off prematurely.
Remember, your furnace is typically designed to maintain a 70-degree temperature difference. So if it’s 0°F outside, your furnace should be able to keep your home at 70°F. However, when temperatures drop below zero, it may struggle to maintain the desired temperature. In such cases, it’s normal for your home to be slightly cooler than usual. By following these guidelines, you can help ensure your home stays as warm as possible during extreme cold while also protecting your heating system and managing energy costs.
If your system is not keeping you comfortable, or if you have any questions, just call Dave’s at 402.406.2134