As winter draws near and the temperature dips, finding ways to save money on your power bills becomes a top priority. One of the simplest techniques is adjusting your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without compromising comfort.
With multiple options and techniques available, you can lower your heating costs while still making your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are plenty of ways to find the ideal balance between warmth and savings.
In general, a good guideline is the lower the temperature in 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 around your home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) suggests putting your thermostat to between 68°F and 70°F in the winter. That’s warm enough to keep the majority 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 states you can save as much as 10% on your heating costs by turning down your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By doing this, you’re not wasting money heating your home while you’re not there.
Experts 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 waiting for you when you get home.
When you get back to your house, raise the temperature bit by bit. 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 Asleep
The good news about sleep-time thermostat settings in the winter is that people generally sleep well when it’s a little colder. The National Sleep Foundation says somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the ideal temperature range for great sleep.
Additional Tactics to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter
There are many other approaches you can employ so you 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 counter heat loss. This will decrease the stress on your HVAC system and save energy.
Buy a programmable thermostat
Put in a programmable thermostat to regulate the temperature in your home effortlessly. Set lower temperatures when you're out of your home or asleep and increase them only when required.
For even more savings, set up a smart thermostat that can perceive when you are in or out and modify the temperature appropriately. To learn more about these systems or for smart thermostat installation in Litchfield Park, get a hold of the skilled technicians at Cooler Tymes LLC. We can tell you 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 and cooling system. A well-maintained system runs more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or replace air filters on a regular basis to make sure your unit has proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Litchfield Park, call the team at Cooler Tymes LLC. Our trained technicians will get your system in peak condition!
Seal air leaks
Detect and fill in any air leaks in your home. Common places for leaks including windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Plugging these gaps prevents warm air from leaking out of your home, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfortable temperature.
Improve your HVAC system
If your furnace is old, inefficient or just isn’t able to keep your home as warm as you need, furnace replacement may be a good long-term solution. Modern furnaces are extremely efficient, which can significantly decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re thinking about upgrading to a new heating system, phone the professionals at Cooler Tymes LLC. We’re noted for skilled furnace installation in Litchfield Park and will help you find a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 623-208-6444 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!