As winter gets closer and the temperature drops, finding ways to save money on your power 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 reduce 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 appropriate balance between warmth and savings.
Overall, a good rule is the lower the temperature in 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 your monthly energy costs.
Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home
When you’re going to be home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) advises dialing 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 Are Away
The DOE estimates you can save as much as 10% on your home heating costs by turning down 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. That 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 arrive home, raise the temperature little by little. That will keep your heating system from running too hard, which could happen if you raise the temperature on your thermostat really high right away.
Recommended Thermostat Settings While You Are Asleep
The great news about sleep-time thermostat settings in the winter is that people sleep better when it’s a little colder. The National Sleep Foundation says somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the ideal temperature range for quality sleep.
Additional Techniques to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter
There are many other approaches 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 cut down on drafts, keep warm air inside and prevent heat loss. This will decrease the stress on your HVAC system and save energy.
Buy a programmable thermostat
Install a programmable thermostat to control the temperature in your home efficiently. Set lower temperatures when you're not home or asleep and increase them only when necessary.
For even more savings, set up a smart thermostat that can sense when you are in or out and modify the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these gadgets or for smart thermostat installation in West Jefferson, consult with the skilled technicians at West Jefferson Plumbing and Heating, Inc.. We can tell you how smart thermostats can help your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.
H3: Arrange furnace maintenance:
Plan to hire someone to do regular maintenance for your heating system. A well-maintained heating system operates more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and probably avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters routinely to make sure your unit has proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in West Jefferson, call the team at West Jefferson Plumbing and Heating, Inc.. Our trained technicians will get your system in excellent working order!
Seal air leaks
Find and fill in any air leaks in your home. Typical sites for leaks including windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Plugging these gaps blocks warm air from leaking out of your home, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfy temperature.
Update your HVAC system
If your furnace 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 decision. Modern day furnaces are extremely efficient, which can significantly decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re thinking about getting a new heating system, contact the pros at West Jefferson Plumbing and Heating, Inc.. We’re noted for knowledgeable furnace installation in West Jefferson and will help you select a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 614-879-9091 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!