At Usethatcam Home Improvement, we recognize that remodeling projects are often about increasing the comfort and functionality of your home. For example, when someone books us for a bathroom remodeling project, they often seek features that allow them to relax in the space. Our focus on improving the experience of your home got us thinking about another important aspect of comfort: home heating. With rising heating prices, we wondered if people would sacrifice their warmth for savings this winter.
Rising Prices Across the Board
It is no secret that people are paying more for everyday items. Supply chain issues and inflation have increased the price of everything from eggs to microchips. These price hikes have not spared home heating expenses, and many American households can expect their energy costs to rise by more than a third. Will rising prices make homeowners change their heating habits?
Home Heating Practices
Human beings require warmth to survive, and temperatures outside the norm lead to discomfort. When it is too hot, people sweat and tend to get sluggish. If the temperature is too low, they shiver and look for warmer clothes. A comfortable temperature allows people to function normally, going about their business in a relaxed manner.
What is the average home temperature?
While some individuals will always feel too warm or cold, most people find 68 to 71 degrees as the ideal temperature range. Maintaining this Goldilocks zone means that most homes have their thermostats set to 70 degrees throughout the heating season, keeping them feeling just right.
When do people turn up the heat?
The time homeowners turn on their heating systems varies by region and cold tolerance. Before the heat comes on, some people will endure cooler nights to save money. However, once the furnace is running, they will keep it on until the spring. Three major signs affect the decision to start up the heating system.
- Outdoor temperature: When outdoor temperatures fall to about 50 degrees overnight, it is time for some households to turn up the heat.
- Snowfall: In regions that get snow, the first snowfall often indicates the need for indoor warmth.
- Calendar date: Some people try to put off turning on their furnaces until a specific date. November 1 is a common choice.
How often do people adjust their thermostats?
People usually don’t change the indoor temperature unless they have a programmable or smart unit that does this work automatically. Maintaining a constant, reasonable temperature can be a decent strategy for controlling energy costs. It takes less fuel to maintain a temperature than it does to raise it.
The Expectation: Homeowners Will Lower Their Thermostats
As we thought about the cost of heating a home, it made sense that homeowners would lower the thermostat setting to save some money. At Usethatcam Home Improvement, we always work with our clients to keep their projects within their budget. We figured the same logic would apply to home heating. People would put on an extra layer of clothing to keep their home energy costs reasonable.
The Reality: Home Comfort Is King
We discovered that most people do not want to tolerate a cold home in the winter even if it costs a little more. They will adjust their budget and thermostats to maintain their comfort. In a survey of homeowners, almost 70% said the main reason they would adjust the temperature was comfort. Only 22% claimed that cost was their priority. Another 8% cited environmental issues as the primary reason to change their heating practices.
Regional Differences
The United States has several unique climate zones. Seasonal temperatures in Florida are drastically different from the average in Minnesota. These variations affect when and how people heat their homes.
Heating the Northeast
Cool temperatures arrive early in the northeast. New Englanders will begin to heat their homes in late October or early November. The Atlantic Ocean tends to moderate the local climate. While the northeast often has temperatures below freezing, it does not usually deal with frigid, sub-zero temperatures.
Bitter Cold in the Midwest
States like Minnesota and Wisconsin deal with cold temperatures and high winds in the winter. Wind chills frequently fall below zero, and heating systems must put in extra effort to maintain a comfortable climate in their homes.
Heating the West
Many western states benefit from weather systems that travel over the Pacific Ocean with warmer air. These moderate winter temperatures mean their heating systems do not work as hard. In surveys, westerners are the least concerned about energy cost increases due to heating.
Heating the South
The short heating system in the south is great for businesses like Usethatcam Home Improvement. We can typically handle indoor and outdoor projects throughout the year. It also means our households are less affected by changes in heating costs.
Improving Energy Efficiency Without Sacrificing Comfort
Every home contractor knows there are ways to improve the efficiency of your home. By taking steps to prevent heat loss, your heating system will not have to work as hard, saving you money in the long run. These tips also apply to places like Atlanta that spend more money on cooling than heating.
Weatherstripping
Applying weatherstripping to your doors and windows is a low-cost improvement that prevents air from escaping your home. Minimizing air flow benefits you in both the heating and cooling seasons.
Improved Insulation
Heat moves from warm to cool spaces, so it stands to reason that extra insulation will reduce heat loss in the winter. You might associate insulation as a concern for homes in northern states. However, insulation in your Atlanta attic and walls will also prevent hot outdoor air from getting inside during the summer.
Smart Thermostats
New thermostat models incorporate smart features that let you program your home climate needs. Allowing temperatures to drop while no one is at home or overnight when they are under the covers leads to lower energy bills.
An Experienced Team for Home Improvement in Atlanta
If you are looking for ways to make your home more functional and comfortable, Usethatcam Home Improvement is the team you can rely on. From plumbing to painting, we will handle your project with advanced contracting skills and a dedication to customer service. Contact us today for a free quote.
