“What is the best winter thermostat setting?” Well, no single temperature setting on a thermostat can be considered ideal for every individual at all times, let alone for everyone universally.
As many of us who hold the role of “Chief Apartment Officer” and manage the expenses know, determining the most suitable indoor temperature entails striking a balance between the heating costs and the number of grievances received about the temperature.
Although each person may have their own preferred indoor temperature during the winter, the majority of sources agree that around 68° is the optimal range.
Nevertheless, it is not recommended you set your thermostat to 68° in October and forget about it until spring.
There are five considerations to think about it when deciding your best winter thermostat setting.
Apartment Insulation
Warm air is more effective in an apartment that is well insulated and constructed to retain heat. If your apartment is well insulated, you can lower the temperature slightly at night, knowing you can swiftly warm your apartment up in the morning.
Thermostat Placement
The placement of your thermostat within your apartment is crucial. If it is situated in a warm kitchen, exposed to direct sunlight, above a heating vent, or near a door where temperatures frequently vary, it is essential to take these factors into account when adjusting the temperature.
Type of Flooring
If you have ever stepped out of a warm bed and placed your feet on icy cold hardwood or tile flooring, you are likely aware of how your apartment’s flooring can affect your heating requirements.
Hardwood and tile take considerably longer to heat up compared to the air, and as a result, you may want to refrain from lowering your thermostat temperature at night, or at the very least, consider purchasing a pair of warm slippers!
Travel Arrangements
If you plan to be away from your apartment for an extended period, it is advisable to turn off your heating or cooling system, unless the temperature is forecasted to drop below freezing or you have pets staying in the apartment.
If there is a possibility of freezing temperatures, it is vital to ensure that your apartment stays warm enough, above 32º, to prevent the costly disaster of burst water pipes.
Indoor Plants
The majority of indoor plants thrive in temperatures between 60° and 75°, therefore it is essential to set your apartment’s thermostat within this range to keep them healthy.
To prevent unnecessary damage, it is advisable to research your specific plant species and determine the temperatures that are most conducive to their growth.
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