As winter draws near and the temperature falls, finding ways to save money on your heating bills becomes a top priority. One of the most effective strategies is changing your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without losing comfort.
With many options and techniques available, homeowners can decrease your heating costs while still making your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Irrespective 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 guideline is the lower the temperature inside 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.
Money-Saving 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 most families cozy, 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 approximately 10% on your energy costs by turning down your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. That way, you’re not throwing away money heating your home while you’re not there.
Authorities 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 while you are away.
When you arrive home, increase the temperature bit by bit. 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 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 states somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the ideal temperature range for quality sleep.
Other Methods to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter
There are a number of 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 workload on your furnace and save energy.
Install a programmable thermostat
Install 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, purchase a smart thermostat that can detect when you are in or out and modify the temperature appropriately. To learn more about these products or for smart thermostat installation in Alice, contact the skilled technicians at Rescue Heating & Air. 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 operates more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters on a regular basis to assure proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Alice, call the team at Rescue Heating & Air. Our specialists will get your system in top shape!
Seal air leaks
Detect and fill in any air leaks in your home. Common spots for leaks tend to be windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps prevents warm air from seeping out, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a sufficient temperature.
Upgrade your HVAC system
If your furnace 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 decision. Modern furnaces are extremely efficient, which can considerably decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re considering upgrading to a new heating system, phone the pros at Rescue Heating & Air. We’re recognized for experienced furnace installation in Alice and will help you pick a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 361-265-4371 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!