Cranking up the heat all winter long isn’t the most efficient or cost-effective way to stay comfortable. Given the Pacific Northwest’s cool, damp winters, understanding how to use your thermostat based on your specific heating system can keep your home cozy while controlling energy costs.

Pre-Set Temperatures Around Your Daily Schedule​

If you have an electric or gas furnace, a programmable or smart thermostat are great options and will allow homeowners to adjust temperatures based on your routine. Lowering the heat while you are away and warming the house just before you return helps reduce unnecessary energy use. In a climate like Sequim’s, these small adjustments can lead to meaningful savings.

Setting the Right Temperature for the Pacific Northwest

Energy providers across Washington recommend keeping indoor temperatures steady. For most homes in the ​Olympic Peninsula area, setting your thermostat between 68–70 degrees while you are awake strikes a good balance between comfort and efficiency.
While this works for traditional systems, the strategy changes if you have an inverter heat pump. With inverter technology, it is often more cost-effective to maintain a consistent temperature day and night.
Because our region experiences moist winters rather than extreme cold, avoid​ constant adjustments. Newer inverter heat pumps are excellent at extracting heat from the air at low temperatures to heat the "core" of your home, including walls, furniture, and floors. If you let the house cool down significantly at night, the system must work harder and use more electricity to warm everything up the next day. Keeping a consistent setting ensures maximum comfort, higher efficiency, and reduced wear on your equipment over time.

Expert Assistance in Sequim

If you need help understanding your thermostat or would like to learn more about inverter heat pumps, we are here to help. Bill Mair Heating & Air, Inc. is a family-owned local contractor that has served Sequim and the surrounding areas for 11 years, with Bill bringing over 30 years of industry experience.

We offer routine maintenance, repairs, and free in-home consultations for new equipment. If you have questions or need service, call us today at 360-683-4245!