Is My Heater Set Too High? Professional HVAC Insight

While everyone wants to stay warm over the winter, setting your thermostat to too high of a temperature can negatively impact your wallet and even your health. If you want to save money on your heating bills and ensure your HVAC system runs at its best, it’s critical to keep your heater at the right temperature. Take a moment to learn more about the main signs your heater is set too high and the best temperature for your system.

How to Know If Your Heater Is Set to a Too High Temperature

When your heater is set too high, it can have several negative effects. Some of the top impacts of excess heating range from higher costs and raised chances of health risks to lower HVAC system performance and reduced energy efficiency. As you try to pick the perfect temperature for your home, you should know that your heat might be set to high if it:

1) High Heating Costs

Since your HVAC system will use more energy and work harder in the winter when you set it to a high temperature, you can see higher energy bills. When you notice your energy bills going up over the winter, it’s a good idea to set your thermostat to a few degrees cooler. Since you won’t have to use so much energy to warm your home, you can save money by lowering your heater’s temperature.

2) High Energy Usage

If you have your heater set at a high temperature, your HVAC system will use more energy. As we discussed previously, increased energy usage will result in higher energy bills. Extra energy usage can also harm the environment, with many green-focused homeowners choosing to set their temperatures lower over the winter. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency recommends people set their thermostats to 68 degrees during the day and 60 degrees at night to increase energy efficiency and curb pollution.

3) Dry Skin and Eyes

When you switch on your heater, it will pull more moisture from the air and reduce your home’s humidity, potentially leading to skin and eye irritation. By keeping your home at a lower temperature, you’ll have more moisture in the air and reduce the risk of your skin drying out. High temperatures can also harm your sleep quality, with the recommended sleeping temperature being around 65 degrees. As a result, you’ll want to avoid setting your thermostat at a higher temperature at night.

4) Damage to your HVAC System

In the winter, your HVAC has to turn freezing outdoor air into warm air before it circulates the air through your home. When you set your thermostat to a higher temperature, your HVAC system will have to work harder to provide you with heat. Since overworking an HVAC system can cause parts to break faster and need more maintenance, it’s better to set your thermostat lower during the winter to keep your HVAC system from overheating or breaking.

5) Uncomfortable Home Climate

Of course, if you’re uncomfortable in your home and always feeling too hot, it’s time to lower your thermostat. With a smart thermostat and a digital assistant, you check and control your heater without ever lifting a finger. Besides making you feel more comfortable, it can also reduce your energy bills, lower energy usage, improve your health, and keep your HVAC system running smoothly.

What’s the Best Temperature Settings for the Winter?

With all of the ways high temperatures can end up affecting your costs and energy usage, you might wonder what temperature is best for the winter. When you switch over to your HVAC system’s heating system, it’s usually best to stick to a temperature between 68 to 72 degrees. Start at the lower end, and work your way up until you feel comfortable. Keep in mind that a lower temperature will save you money due to reduced energy costs.

While you’re away from home, it’s a good idea to set your temperature lower than what’s comfortable while you’re at home. For example, if you regularly have your thermostat set to 70 over the winter, turning it down to the mid-60s while you’re away can reduce your energy use. By lowering your heater when you’re gone, you can save money on energy bills. Keep in mind, you shouldn’t ever set your thermostat below 60 degrees, as this can cause your HVAC system to freeze.

Choose Newcomb and Company for HVAC Repair and Maintenance in Raleigh

If you’re in Raleigh, Wilmington, or the surrounding areas, turn to Newcomb and Company for your HVAC repair and maintenance needs. As you prepare for the winter, we offer energy efficiency services to ensure your heating system doesn’t increase your costs or hurt the environment. When you choose our HVAC repair and replacement services, we’ll inspect your system and fix any issues. Additionally, many of our clients love investing in our annual maintenance contracts, as we’ll regularly inspect your system and ensure your home is comfortable all year long.

If you’re ready to schedule a service appointment or have any questions, please feel free to contact us.