As winter approaches and the temperature drops, finding ways to save money on your power bills becomes a top priority. One of the most effective tips is changing 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. Regardless of whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are many ways to find the appropriate balance between warmth and savings.
In general, 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 outdoor temperature, the more money you will save on heating.
Money-Saving 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 comfortable, but also low enough to be energy efficient.
Effective Temperature Settings While You Going to Be Out of Your Home
The DOE estimates you can save up to 10% on your energy costs by decreasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. That way, you’re not wasting money heating your home while you’re not there.
Industry professionals say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone an extended 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 cause damage to your home while you're gone.
When you get back to your house, increase 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.
Suggested Thermostat Settings While You Are Sleeping
The great 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 good sleep.
Additional Methods to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter
There are many other techniques you can use 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 limit the pressure on your heating equipment and save energy.
Set up a programmable thermostat
Purchase a programmable thermostat to control the temperature in your home conveniently. Set lower temperatures when you're out of your home or asleep and increase them only when necessary.
For even more savings, install a smart thermostat that can perceive when you are in or out and change the temperature correctly. To learn more about these systems or for smart thermostat installation in Mobile, get a hold of the skilled technicians at Farnell Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. We can tell you how smart thermostats can help your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.
H3: Arrange furnace maintenance:
Schedule regular maintenance for your HVAC system. A well-maintained heating system functions more efficiently, reducing 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 Mobile, call the team at Farnell Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. Our specialists will get your system in excellent working order!
Seal air leaks
Locate and fill in any air leaks in your home. Typical places for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing these gaps prevents warm air from seeping out, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a cozy temperature.
Improve 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 good long-term option. Contemporary furnaces are extremely efficient, which can significantly reduce your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re thinking about investing in a new heating system, contact the professionals at Farnell Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. We’re known for skilled furnace installation in Mobile and will help you pick a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 251-471-2674 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!