As winter draws near and the temperature drops, finding ways to save money on your heating bills becomes a top priority. One of the simplest techniques is modifying your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without losing comfort.
With several options and techniques available, homeowners can lower your heating costs while still keeping your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Irrespective of whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are several ways to find the ideal balance between warmth and savings.
As a whole, a good rule of thumb is 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 HVAC bills.
Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home
When you’re at home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) suggests setting your thermostat to between 68°F and 70°F in the winter. That’s warm enough to keep the majority of families comfortable, but also low enough to be energy efficient.
Effective Temperature Settings While You Are Away
The DOE reports you can save as much as 10% on your HVAC costs by lowering your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. This way, you’re not needlessly spending money heating your home while you’re not there.
Industry professionals say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone a long 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 while you are away.
When you return to your home, increase the temperature bit by bit. That will keep your heating system from working too hard, which could be the case if you raise the temperature on your thermostat really high right away.
Cost-Efficient Thermostat Settings While You Are Sleeping
The good news about sleep-time thermostat settings in the winter is that people get good sleep when it’s a little colder. The National Sleep Foundation states somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the best temperature range for quality sleep.
More Ways to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter
There are a number of other techniques you can employ so you consume less energy this winter while you heat your home. They include:
Evaluate your insulation levels
Insulate doors, windows and walls to cut down on drafts, keep warm air inside and counter heat loss. This will limit the workload on your HVAC system and save energy.
Install a programmable thermostat
Purchase a programmable thermostat to regulate the temperature in your home efficiently. Set lower temperatures when you're away or asleep and increase them only when necessary.
For even more savings, install a smart thermostat that can detect when you are in or out and change the temperature correctly. To learn more about these gadgets or for smart thermostat installation in Marshfield, get a hold of the skilled technicians at House of Heating Incorporated. We can explain how smart thermostats can benefit your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.
H3: Schedule furnace maintenance:
Schedule regular maintenance for your heating system. A well-maintained furnace operates more efficiently, decreasing energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters regularly to assure proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Marshfield, call the team at House of Heating Incorporated. Our specialists will get your system in top shape!
Seal air leaks
Detect and close off any air leaks in your home. Frequent spots for leaks including windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing these gaps stops warm air from leaking out of your home, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfortable temperature.
Upgrade your HVAC system
If your heating system 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 option. Modern furnaces are extremely efficient, which can considerably reduce your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re considering getting a new heating system, phone the pros at House of Heating Incorporated. We’re recognized for experienced furnace installation in Marshfield and will help you choose a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 715-384-3163 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!