How to Set Your Thermostat for the Winter

Winter is here and half of your family is cozy while the other half is complaining about being freezing… or overheating. Whichever it is, they aren’t comfortable with the temperature of the house. So, what can you do to make your house pleasant for everyone? And can you save energy, too? Quality Homes of Rochester has the answers.

The Magic Temperature for Winter Comfort at Home

According to numerous resources, including the US Department of Energy, 68℉ is the magic number for both comfort and energy savings. If 68℉ is cooler than you’re used to, gradually work your way to it by lowering the thermostat by one degree per week until you get there. Toss on an extra sweater, some fluffy socks or slippers, or snuggle under a throw blanket while you adjust.

You can save more on your energy bill by lowering the thermostat slightly overnight when you’ll be toasty in bed.

The World Health Organization (WHO) advises us that 64℉ is the lowest indoor temperature that is safe for most adults. Lower temperatures can lead to respiratory problems. Note that 64℉ is not advisable for infants, small children, older adults, and people with health problems.

Pro Tip:

If you go on vacation, your thermostat can be set at 55℉, which will keep pipes from freezing, but not waste money heating your house when nobody is home.

68℉ Still Feel Too Cold?

Take a look at the thermostat placement in your home. Is it in a warm or sunny spot? This can cause the thermostat to have a falsely high reading or ghost reading, and adjust the temperature of your home according to that incorrect reading.

Your thermostat should be located on an interior wall near the center of your house for best performance and comfort.

Types of Thermostats

There are four general types of thermostats. Each type has different features, and each brand varies as well. The descriptions below are general. You may find unique assortments of features depending upon the brand/type you choose.

Traditional Thermostats

Traditional dial thermostats are the least expensive option with no special features.

Programmable Thermostats

This option allows you to program settings to lower the temperature during the night and when nobody is home on the thermostat itself.

Smart Thermostats

Smart thermostats connect to the Internet so you can control them remotely and have a variety of features depending on the model. They can self-adjust based on weather, a programmed schedule, and some have motion sensors to heat the rooms your family uses the most.

Wi-Fi Thermostats

You can connect a Wi-Fi thermostat to your home’s wireless internet so that you can adjust the temperature via a smartphone or tablet app.

One Last Note

If your electric bills are still higher than you’d like, it’s probably time to have an HVAC professional look at your furnace. It may need cleaning, a new filter, or you may want to upgrade to a new energy-efficient model.

Your bathroom can be more than a space for personal care—it can be a refreshing mini-retreat.

Spa-Like Touches

Introduce design elements like river rock tiles in the shower, a teak bathmat, or a freestanding tub with a window view. Add an outdoors element by choosing a rainwater showerhead and allowing the water to feel like soft rainfall.

Natural Ventilation

Add an operable window or solar-powered skylight to naturally promote airflow and reduce humidity. A ventilation system or fan is essential for reducing moisture. Clean your vent of dust or buildup to ensure moisture is not trapped in your bathroom, which can lead to mildew or mold buildup.

Soothing Scents

Essential oil diffusers or lavender bundles in the shower smell incredible, mirroring nature’s sensory experiences. Try tying eucalyptus in your shower, releasing a minty, relaxing scent once the steam and humidity rise.

Styling with Biophilic Design in Mind

You don’t need a significant renovation to bring the benefits of biophilic interior design into your home. Wise styling choices can go a long way.

Incorporate Natural Forms

Curved lines, imperfect shapes, or patterns inspired by leaves, waves, or tree bark all show nature’s organic beauty. Look for these shapes in furniture, rugs, and light fixtures.

For example, a naturalistic style can be achieved by pairing an L-shaped couch or sectional in natural colors with a dark wooden coffee table and an earth-toned rug beneath.

Declutter and Let Spaces Breathe

Nature has rhythm and flow, and your space should, too. Avoid crowding surfaces and leave space around or between key features to create a sense of calm and openness.

Drawers or closets that blend in with the features of your room can be great places to put away essential items while keeping them close at hand.

Naturalistic Home Additions for Outdoor Access

sunroom before

sunroom after

A sunroom could be the perfect solution if you have a growing family or have always wanted a special place to retreat. This type of addition fits right in with naturalistic design principles, allowing access to sunlight, the breeze, and the outdoors while inside.

A sunroom or screened-in porch is the perfect combination of indoor coziness and the natural world’s beauty. Additionally, it can be a great place to host friends and family as the evening goes on without the annoyance of bugs.

At Quality Homes, our expert team has the knowledge and experience to handle all home additions and configurations. Whether you need an office, another bedroom, garage, screened-in porch, sunroom, or something different entirely, we can help!

Learn more about home additions in Rochester, NY.

Biophilic Decor

Consider elements like a tabletop fountain, driftwood sculptures, or art that features landscapes and natural scenes. Mirrors can reflect light and views, enhancing the presence of the outdoors. If you like fish, a fish tank or an outdoor koi pond (if it is warm enough for them year-round) would be a great addition to this style.

The Quality Homes Difference

Biophilic and naturalistic design invites nature’s essence into our daily lives. You can create a home that feels alive and supports your well-being. It can inspire everyone who enters with sunlight, wood, plants, and innovative design.

Start your home improvement journey with something easy. You could add a hanging plant or choose natural wood furniture in the kitchen. Then, build out from there, guided by nature’s wisdom and your vision.

Are you ready for a complete, naturally inspired redesign or addition? Contact us at Quality Homes and schedule a consultation with our designers today!

Get your quote today!