Do you squabble with your family over the temperature setting of the thermostat? According to a study from 2015, there could be a very good reason for this. If the article is to be believed, the source of your arguments could be something as simple as a gender divide.
The report suggests there could be a 3-degree differential between male and female comfort levels, with males preferring temperature around the 20-degree mark and females preferring 23 degrees plus.
Living in a comfortable home is essential for our physical and mental well-being. We all have our own comfort levels and preferences regarding the temperature of our home, but establishing the right temperature can also be a great way to save energy and money in the long run.
What is the right temperature for your home?
The right temperature for your home depends on internal factors such as the people living there, the type of home you live in and the levels of insulation and glazing you have. You can get a good insight into the effect your home has on your heating requirements by looking at your EPC rating.
The government target is that all homes should have an EPC rating of C or above, this means that your heat generate will be utilised efficiently.
External factors that contribute to changing the thermostat are the time of year, your location, and climate. Generally speaking, most people prefer to keep their homes at around 21 degrees Celsius. This is the temperature range most people find comfortable, and it is also the temperature range that will help you save energy.
You may want to keep your home a bit cooler in the summer months, around 20 degrees Celsius Depending on the thermal capabilities of your home, you may find that your comfort levels require the room to be a bit warmer in the winter months, around 24 degrees Celsius.
How to adjust your thermostat to save energy
Adjusting your thermostat to the right temperature is one of the best ways to save energy. Most modern thermostats allow you to program the temperature to suit your lifestyle and preferences.
If you’re away from home for extended periods of time, you can program your thermostat to keep your home at a lower temperature while you’re away. At Flogas, we recommend keeping the ambient temperature of your empty home at a minimum of 15 degrees Celsius.
It’s also important to remember that turning your thermostat up or down by more than a few degrees won’t necessarily make your home any warmer or cooler. In fact, it can actually make your heating system work harder and cost you more money in the long run.
Benefits of energy savings
The benefits of energy savings are numerous. Not only can you save money on your monthly energy bills, but you can also reduce your environmental impact. By reducing your energy consumption, you’ll be helping to combat climate change and reduce air pollution.
In addition to environmental benefits, energy savings can also help you stay comfortable. By keeping your home at the right temperature, you’ll be able to reduce humidity and create a more comfortable living space.
Cost of living savings
When you save energy, you’re also saving money. By using less energy, you’ll be able to reduce your monthly energy bills. This can help you save money on your cost of living and free up some extra cash to put towards other expenses.
Energy efficiency can also increase the value of your home. If you’re planning to sell your home in the near future, energy efficiency can help you attract buyers and get a better price for your property.
Other Factors to consider when determining the right temperature.
If you live in an older home, you may need to keep the temperature slightly lower in the summer months to keep it cool, as the home’s thermal efficiency/insulation may mean you cannot keep the hot air out.
If you live with a large extended family that includes old, young or vulnerable people, you may need to focus on a consistent temperature all year round to ensure everyone is comfortable.
Tips for using fans to regulate temperature.
In addition to adjusting your thermostat, using fans can also help you regulate your home’s temperature. Ceiling fans are great for circulating air and keeping rooms cool in the summer months. You can also use fans to push warm air down into the lower levels of your home, which can help keep your home warm in the winter months.
Another great tip is to turn your ceiling fan off when you’re not in the room. Ceiling fans use energy and they can add to your monthly energy bill.
How to maintain an energy-efficient home
Maintaining an energy-efficient home is essential for reducing your monthly energy bills and your environmental impact.
Here are some tips for maintaining an energy-efficient home:
- Check for air leaks around windows and doors and seal any leaks with weather stripping or caulk.
- Install insulation in your attic, walls, and basement.
- Use a programmable thermostat to control the temperature of your home.
How to use natural light to your advantage
Using natural light is a great way to reduce your energy consumption. Natural light is free, and it can help reduce your reliance on artificial lighting. You can use curtains or blinds to control the amount of natural light (and resulting heat) entering your home.
Another great tip is that on hot days, open your windows and doors in the morning to let cool air in and close them in the evening to keep the cool air in. This can help reduce your reliance on air conditioning and keep your home cool and comfortable.
Energy-efficient appliances and fixtures
Ensure your boiler is serviced regularly. If you want to replace it, pick the most energy-efficient one for your home.
Using energy-efficient appliances is another great way to reduce your energy consumption. Look for appliances and fixtures that are labelled as “energy efficient” This can be easily identified by consulting the energy label rating. They operate on a scale of A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). The Higher the rating, the less energy they use and can help reduce your monthly energy bills.
Conclusion
Finding the right temperature for your home is essential for staying comfortable and saving energy.
By making small changes and informed decisions, you can reduce your energy consumption, save money on your energy bills, and reduce your environmental impact. For more tips on how to save energy, check out our other guides online or go to energysavingtrust.org.uk/hub/quick-tips-to-save-energy/
