Thermostat set up

Energy bills are a burden for just about everybody, so a lot of people do whatever they can to reduce them. For some, that means setting their thermostat temperature way back during the day when they’re not at home. Is there such a thing as setting it too far back?

How Far is too Far?

Many people think that “more is better” when it comes to setting back their thermostats during the cold months. Instead of running their heating system at the normal 70 degrees, for example, they may set their thermostats all the way back to 50 degrees. But doing so can actually do more harm than good.

If you’re away from the house for eight or more hours each day, you may think it’s a good idea to set the temperature as low as you can. However, many people don’t realize that their homes can quickly acclimate to this colder temperature. Once the temperature in your home gets to that 50-degree mark, whatever heat stays in your furniture and flooring will quickly transfer to the colder surrounding air. Once you get back home and set the thermostat back to 70 degrees, it will take a long time for those materials to absorb the heat. As a result, your couch, chairs, and floors will remain cold. Even though your air temperature has become warmer, those objects are still 50 degrees.

Increased Wear and Tear

Because your heating system will have to work longer and harder to warm your indoor air, its lifespan will be reduced. Increased workload will mean increased stress on system components – and an increased risk for potentially costly repairs.

So when you leave for the day, don’t crank down the thermostat. Instead of 50 degrees, set it at a more moderate temperature such as 60 or 64 degrees. You’ll still save money on your bills and you won’t come home to an icebox. If you have any questions, call the experts with Northern's One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning® at (763) 284-8639 or contact us online. Do you think there is such a thing as setting back your thermostat too far? Share your opinion with us by clicking one of the social media buttons on this page.