When winter truly hits Arizona, the weather can get quite chilly during the nighttime hours. However, afternoon highs still typically reach the 60s and 70s. With this drastic difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures, efficiently programming your thermostat is key to staying comfortable while avoiding high energy bills.

So, what’s the best thermostat setting for our Valley of the Sun winters? Read on for tips.

Go Smart 

The first step is deciding whether you want to manually adjust your thermostat daily or program it and largely set it and forget it. Smart, programmable models allow you to set different target temperatures for different times of day. This way, you can let temperatures dip down at night when you need less heating.

Set the Right Daytime Temperature

When you’re home during the day, set your thermostat between 68-72° F for comfortable warmth. Any lower than 68° and you might start feeling chilly. Any higher than 72° risks overheating and wasting energy.

Around 70° F is ideal, letting you feel cozy without constantly turning on the heat. The exact number depends on your personal preference too. Go with what feels best for your household. You want to aim to minimize how often your HVAC heater runs while maintaining a pleasing temperature.

Lower the Temperature at Night

Plan on setting your thermostat back about 8-10°F at night when sleeping. There’s no need to keep your home as warm overnight when you’re tucked under warm blankets.

So, if you keep your home at 70°F during the day, dropping the thermostat down to about 60-62°F at night can save energy without sacrificing comfort. You might need an extra blanket, but the savings can be worth it.

Watch Out for Extreme Cold Spells 

While Arizona winters overall tend to remain mild to moderate, we occasionally get stretches of extreme cold. When temperatures dip into the 30s or lower, even at night, nudging your thermostat up another 2-4 degrees can offset the increased chill.

Stay Cozy and Comfortable 

Following these winter thermostat tips will help every Valley of the Sun homeowner stay cozy while keeping your energy usage in check. Programmable smart thermostat models make this easy to do. For additional tips this winter, call your heating experts at Bruce’s Air Conditioning & Heating. Call us today at 480-968-5652 to speak with one of our certified technicians or to schedule an appointment. Bruce’s always offers fast and reliable service.