As winter draws near and the temperature dips, finding ways to save money on your power bills becomes a top priority. One of the best techniques is adjusting your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without compromising comfort.
With numerous options and techniques available, it’s possible to lower your heating costs while still keeping your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Regardless of whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or a manual device, there are plenty of ways to find the ideal balance between warmth and savings.
As a whole, a good rule is that the lower the temperature within your home and the less difference there is between the air inside your home and the exterior temperature, the more money you will save on your monthly energy costs.
Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home
When you’re going to be home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) advises dialing your thermostat to between 68°F and 70°F in the winter. That’s warm enough to keep most families comfy, but also low enough to be energy efficient.
Effective Temperature Settings While You’re Going to Be Out of Your Home
The DOE reports you can save as much as 10% on your HVAC costs by turning down your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By using this method, you’re not throwing away money heating your home while you’re not there.
Industry professionals say that if you are going on vacation or will be gone for a prolonged period of time, you can adjust your thermostat as low as 50 degrees. This will be warm enough; it will keep your furnace running, so you don’t have any frozen or burst pipes that cause damage to your home while you’re gone.
When you arrive home, turn up the temperature bit by bit. That will keep your heating system from running too hard, which could happen if you raise the temperature on your thermostat really high right away.
Suggested Thermostat Settings While You Are Asleep
The nice thing about sleep-time thermostat settings in the winter is that people generally sleep well when it’s a little colder. The National Sleep Foundation states that somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the best temperature range for good sleep.
Other Tactics to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter
There are many other ways you can utilize to consume less energy this winter while you heat your home. They include:
Check your insulation levels.
Insulate doors, windows, and walls to reduce drafts, keep warm air inside, and protect against heat loss. This will minimize the stress on your furnace and save energy.
Buy a programmable thermostat.
Put in a programmable thermostat to regulate the temperature in your home efficiently. Set lower temperatures when you’re not home or asleep and increase them only when necessary.
For even more savings, install a smart thermostat that can sense when you are in or out and adjust the temperature appropriately. To learn more about these gadgets or for smart thermostat installation in Marshfield, get in touch with the skilled technicians at House of Heating, Inc.. We can explain how smart thermostats can improve your home’s comfort—and your pocketbook.
H3: Plan furnace maintenance:
Plan to hire someone to do regular maintenance for your heating system. A well-maintained system runs more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or replace air filters on a regular basis to ensure proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Marshfield, call the team at House of Heating, Inc.. Our trained technicians will get your system in top shape!
Seal air leaks
Find and close off any air leaks in your home. Frequent sites for leaks include windows, doors, attic hatches, and ductwork. Plugging these gaps stops warm air from seeping out, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfy temperature.
Upgrade your HVAC system.
If your HVAC equipment is old, inefficient, or just isn’t able to keep your home as warm as you desire, furnace replacement may be a smart long-term solution. Contemporary furnaces are very efficient, which can considerably decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re contemplating getting a new heating system, contact the professionals at House of Heating, Inc.. We’re noted for skilled furnace installation in Marshfield and will help you choose a unit that’s well-suited for your home! Call (715) 384-3163 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!
