This Valentine’s Day, snuggle up with your favorite person in the comfort of your home. To make sure you’re both comfortable, our team at Ahoy! Cooling & Heating in Tampa, FL, has some indoor-temperature-setting information to share with you. Don’t forget to schedule routine maintenance for your HVAC system prior to Valentine’s Day for peace of mind that your heating equipment will function reliably and efficiently.
Consider Thermostat Settings
A cozy home environment, using specific thermostat settings, is beneficial for Valentine’s Day and beyond. It’s also important to note that comfort doesn’t just take temperature into consideration. Consistency, air quality and humidity also play their roles.
Most people find the most comfort in an environment that is about 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit during the daytime hours. This is a range that provides warmth without making a space feel stuffy. Higher thermostat settings will increase energy bills and strain heating equipment. Lower temperature settings are beneficial at night. However, keeping your interior temperature low during the day can impact indoor air quality and make you uncomfortable. If you’re going to be participating in activities that generate heat, such as cooking, consider turning your thermostat down a few degrees to compensate.
Cooler overnight temperatures can help support your body’s natural circadian rhythm. When you know your Valentine’s Day evening will be coming to an end, drop your thermostat settings to 60 to 67 degrees. Most people like to drop their nighttime settings gradually to avoid a noticeable shift in temperature. While this is occurring, use blankets to stay cozy before heading to bed.
Prioritize minimizing dramatic shifts in temperature. Make adjustments that are one to two degrees at a time to help your home feel cozy and stable. Not only do large jumps compromise comfort, but they can also damage your heating equipment. Develop a baseline temperature and adjust from there.
Upgrading to a Smart Thermostat
If you don’t already have one, consider upgrading to a smart thermostat. This device makes it easy to achieve a comfortable interior environment without having to make frequent manual adjustments. Set a schedule that will adjust your temperature settings according to when you are home, when you get back, when you’re sleeping, and more. You can adjust it remotely. If you’re at the store picking up some last-minute Valentine’s Day supplies, you can adjust the indoor temperature at home by using your smart device while you’re waiting in line.
Smart thermostats often come with sensors that keep you informed on the level of humidity in your home and the quality of your indoor air. You can adjust whole-home humidification/dehumidification equipment or air filtration devices to ensure optimal comfort.
You can also save money using a smart thermostat. Many of these thermostats can learn your heating habits, adjust and make recommendations that reduce energy consumption. This is beneficial for your household budget, but it also reduces your carbon footprint. Smart thermostats can alert you when it’s time to schedule routine maintenance and repairs. This will protect your HVAC system from catastrophic failure and permanent damage.
You may be able to control your thermostat settings using your voice if this is a feature your system has. Picture this: You’re cozying up on the couch to watch a movie with your significant other on Valentine’s Day. If you feel chilly, all you have to do is speak a quick command to turn on your furnace. The same applies if you’re feeling warm and want to drop your home’s interior temperature. Presence detection can determine if you’re home and will adjust the thermostat for you.
Many thermostat manufacturers and energy companies offer rebates and incentives if you upgrade. This can offset the cost of the initial investment. In some cases, you can allow your energy company remote access to your thermostat. They can make changes on your behalf that will save you money without compromising comfort. In many cases, these adjustments are only one to two degrees at certain times of the day or night. You won’t notice a huge change in comfort, but your bills will reflect substantial savings.
Using Zoning for Comfort
There may not be a need to maintain a specific temperature throughout the entirety of your residence. There are likely areas of your home that you don’t use regularly and don’t plan on using on Valentine’s Day. Zoned heating can help keep commonly used areas warm, such as your kitchen or living room. Perhaps bedrooms, home offices or guest rooms can remain 5 to 10 degrees lower. This saves energy, lowers your utility bills and protects your heating equipment. Shift the warmth to areas like your bedroom when you head to bed.
If you don’t already have zoning in place, there are options to have it installed as part of your HVAC setup. We will assess your ductwork design as well as your heating and cooling equipment. We will install a central hub to manage your zoned system. Dampers are installed to control the flow of conditioned air to where you want it to go. Each zone will utilize its own thermostat to control interior temperature. It’s a good idea to work with a knowledgeable professional for the installation of your zoned system. This ensures all work is according to local building codes.
Other Things to Consider
Once you have your temperature perfected and your home feels cozy, think about other ways to boost comfort. Humidity is very important. The relative humidity in your home should always be between 35% and 50%. If you have the humidity set too low, this dry air can irritate your sinuses and eyes, and it can make your skin itchy and uncomfortable. High levels of humidity can promote mold growth, which exacerbates allergies and creates other health issues.
You can control relative humidity using whole-home humidity-controlling equipment. Dehumidifiers and humidifiers can be installed directly onto your HVAC system, removing or adding moisture when your heating equipment is functioning. This eliminates the need for portable units that require a lot of maintenance and don’t address your home as a whole. Schedule routine maintenance for your humidity-controlling equipment prior to Valentine’s Day to ensure comfort and efficiency.
Use lightbulbs in your fixtures that have yellow hues and that are low wattage. This creates a cozy glow that can complement your interior temperature. Low lighting also creates a very romantic atmosphere that is perfect for Valentine’s Day festivities.
We can help create your romantic setting
Our team at Ahoy! Cooling & Heating is here to assist you in preparing a cozy and romantic atmosphere ahead of your Valentine’s Day plans. Whether you want to schedule routine maintenance or are considering upgrading to a smart thermostat, we’re here to help. We can also take care of the installation of new heating equipment if it’s time for a replacement. Contact us at Ahoy! Cooling & Heating in Tampa to schedule an appointment today.
