As winter gets closer and the temperature drops, finding ways to save money on your power bills becomes a top priority. One of the best strategies is adjusting your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without losing comfort.
With multiple 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 manual device, there are plenty of ways to find the appropriate balance between warmth and savings.
In general, 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.
Ideal Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home
When you’re going to be home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recommends dialing 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 Not at Home
The DOE states you can save approximately 10% on your energy costs by turning down your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By using this method, you’re not needlessly spending money heating your home while you’re not there.
Authorities say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone a prolonged period of time, you can set 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 arrive home, turn up the temperature slowly. That will keep your heating system from working too hard, which it could 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 sleep better when it’s a little colder. The National Sleep Foundation states somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the ideal temperature range for great sleep.
More Ways to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter
There are several other ways you can use to consume less energy this winter while you heat your home. They include:
Examine 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
Purchase a programmable thermostat to regulate the temperature in your home effortlessly. 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 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 provide you with information about how smart thermostats can benefit your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.
H3: Plan furnace maintenance:
Plan to hire someone to do regular maintenance for your heating and cooling system. A well-maintained furnace runs more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and probably avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters regularly to make sure your unit has proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Marshfield, call the team at House of Heating Incorporated. We will get your system in excellent working order!
Seal air leaks
Find and close off any air leaks in your home. Typical spots for leaks tend to be windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps blocks warm air from seeping out, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a cozy 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 want, furnace replacement may be a smart long-term option. Modern furnaces are highly efficient, which can dramatically reduce your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re contemplating investing in a new heating system, call the professionals at House of Heating Incorporated. We’re noted for skilled 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 complimentary, no-obligation estimate!