As winter gets closer and the temperature drops, finding ways to save money on your heating bills becomes a top priority. One of the simplest ways 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. Whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are many ways to find the appropriate balance between warmth and savings.
As a whole, a good rule 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 monthly energy costs.
Ideal Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home
When you’re at home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) suggests dialing your thermostat to between 68°F and 70°F in the winter. That’s warm enough to keep lots of families comfy, but also low enough to be energy efficient.
Effective Temperature Settings While You Going to Be Out of Your Home
The DOE reports you can save approximately 10% on your energy costs by turning down your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By doing this, 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. Doing this will keep your furnace running so you don’t have any frozen or burst pipes while you are away.
When you arrive home, raise the temperature slowly. That will keep your heating system from working too hard, which could be the case if you raise the temperature on your thermostat very high right away.
Recommended Thermostat Settings While You Are Sleeping
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 reports somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the best temperature range for great sleep.
More Tactics to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter
There are several other techniques you can use to 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 minimize the stress on your heating equipment and save energy.
Buy a programmable thermostat
Purchase a programmable thermostat to control 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, purchase a smart thermostat that can sense when you are in or out and modify the temperature correctly. To learn more about these systems or for smart thermostat installation in Marshfield, get a hold of the skilled technicians at House of Heating Incorporated. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can help your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.
H3: Plan furnace maintenance:
Schedule regular maintenance for your HVAC system. A well-maintained heating system functions more efficiently, decreasing energy consumption and probably avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange 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
Find and close off any air leaks in your home. Typical places for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing these gaps stops warm air from escaping, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfy temperature.
Improve your HVAC system
If your HVAC equipment is old, inefficient or just isn’t able to keep your home as warm as you want, furnace replacement may be an ideal long-term decision. Contemporary furnaces are highly efficient, which can dramatically lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re considering investing in a new heating system, phone the professionals at House of Heating Incorporated. We’re known for skilled furnace installation in Marshfield and will help you select a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 715-384-3163 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!