If you’re like most people in Wisconsin, you’re already over the cold temperatures and are looking forward to spring weather. Although we can dream of warm weather, temperatures are still cold, and keeping you and your family comfortable is a top priority.
The Martens Heating and Cooling team has compiled a few of our top HVAC settings to save money and avoid breakdowns during the winter.
Adjust Your Temperature Range
The best temperature range for your Wisconsin home is between 68°F and 70°F during the day and 63°F to 65°F in the evening and throughout the night. Keeping your home’s thermostat within this range can help keep your living space comfortable throughout the winter, while also helping you save on energy costs.
The U.S. Department of Energy notes you can save up to 10% a year on heating and cooling costs by turning your thermostat back 7°F to 10°F for eight hours a day from its normal setting. This tactic reduces the workload on your HVAC system, leading to significant savings.
A steady, moderate temperature is the best way to maintain comfort and HVAC efficiency no matter how low Wisconsin temperatures drop.
Use a Smart or Programmable Thermostat
Implementing a smart or programmable thermostat in your home is one of the best ways to save money and maintain comfort throughout the cold winter months.
A programmable thermostat allows you to set a schedule that automatically adjusts your home’s temperature based on your daily routine; this way, you’re not heating your home while you’re at work or asleep.
Smart thermostats take a step further by learning your thermostat preferences over time and adjusting the temperature accordingly. You can adjust the thermostat through a remote control or smartphone app, even when you’re away.
This level of smart home automation reduces the likelihood of wasting energy while optimizing your heating system’s energy efficiency.
Reduce Energy Waste
Go beyond setting your thermostat at the right temperature and use these tips to reduce energy waste in your home.
- Seal drafts around windows and doors to prevent heat loss. You can also use weatherstripping or draft stoppers.
- Close vents in unused rooms to focus heating on the spaces you use most.
- Insulate your attic and walls to help retain heat more effectively and reduce strain on your HVAC system.
- Change your furnace filter regularly to optimize airflow and prevent your system from working harder. We recommend changing your HVAC filter every one to three months. You should change your filters more regularly if you have pet dander in your home or winter allergies.
Account for Extreme Cold Temperatures
During extreme winter months in Wisconsin, it’s important to adjust your thermostat settings to maintain a safe and comfortable living environment for you and your family.
While you may be tempted to set your thermostat as high as possible, it’s important to avoid turning the system above 70°F since the increase in energy consumption can strain your HVAC unit.
If temperatures drop significantly, as they tend to do around the Fox Valley area, set your thermostat to 65°F or slightly higher, up to 70°F maximum. Be mindful not to go overboard since you don’t want your furnace constantly running.
We also suggest putting your thermostat on hold before severe cold weather hits. Maintaining a temperature is much more cost-effective than using a setback program when it is extremely cold; it can take a very long time and a lot of fuel to make up a couple of degrees when Wisconsin residents experience below-zero days.
Also, remember to never turn your thermostat completely off, even when you’re away. Doing this can cause your home’s plumbing to freeze in the extreme cold, leading to costly repairs.
Maintaining a steady temperature, even in freezing temperatures, helps protect your home and the efficiency of your HVAC system.
Contact the Experts at Martens Heating and Cooling
If you have questions about your furnace settings for your Appleton, Oshkosh, or Neenah-area home, or if your current HVAC heating unit needs repairs or replacement, contact the Fox Cities HVAC experts at Martens Heating and Cooling.
With extensive knowledge and experience in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning industry, our Omro-based team travels throughout Northeast Wisconsin to provide valuable insights, guidance, and solutions tailored to your specific needs.
Whether you’re seeking advice on system maintenance, troubleshooting issues, or considering replacing your HVAC unit, our team is here to help. Our technicians travel throughout the Fox Cities area, including:
Contact our team today for furnace maintenance this winter.