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This is the best temperature setting for thermostats during winter in New York according to experts
With the colder months approaching New York state, here’s some guidance on where to set your thermostat this winter.
New Yorkers are used to cold winters, and as the seasons change and the air becomes a bit more crisp, some might be wondering how to keep their home warm without breaking the bank. The state is expecting more than a foot of snow to fall in upstate New York this week, and the state’s governor, Kathy Hochul is urging residents to prepare for winter weather warnings.
Keep a stable temperature
Keeping your thermostat constant is the first tip recommended by HVAC experts, as you can keep your home warm and not let it get too cold before the heater ticks back up. Avoid turning it off completely unless you will be out of the house for an extended period because if you allow your home to cool completely, more energy will be required to heat it back up. If you can allow the heating system to maintain a certain range, then it will reduce costs as the heat use will be more consistent.
Tips to save money on your energy bill
- Maximize your time in the kitchen: Use your time in the kitchen efficiently by preparing your meals during colder hours. Using your oven and stovetop contributes to heating your home. After cooking, leave the oven door open to let the heat escape into the kitchen.
- Check that nothing is blocking your vents: If you have a forced air heating system in your home, you should make sure that nothing is blocking your vents. This system employs air as a transfer medium for heat, and relies on vents to distribute air throughout your home. Blocked vents will stop the warm air from circulating properly, and this may force you to unnecessarily turn up the heat.
- Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances: If your heating appliances are already old, consider getting energy-efficient upgrades, such as a high-efficiency furnace or heat pump. This will take some investment, but it will lead to reduced overall energy consumption.
The general rule from those in the HVAC industry
Sunset Heating and Cooling, an HVAC company based in Oregon, advises their customers to keep their home around 20 degrees colder than the average temperature inside their house, which can usually be found on one’s thermostat. While this may seem high, most households will find that the rule would place the ideal temperature between 68 and 75 degrees. If you tolerate the colder, better or worse, this range can be played with a bit to find a comfortable temperature.
Additionally, for those with a thermostat that can be programmed throughout the day, you can identify the colder hours of the day at a higher average temperature. In the same vein, if your home gets a lot of sun, you can turn it down during the day and allow the glowing fireball in the sky to do some of the work of heating your house for free.
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