As winter gets closer and the temperature falls, finding ways to save money on your energy bills becomes a top priority. One of the simplest techniques is adjusting your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without losing comfort.
With many options and techniques available, it's possible to 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 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 exterior temperature, the more money you will save on heating.
Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home
When you’re at home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) advises setting your thermostat to between 68°F and 70°F in the winter. That’s warm enough to keep the majority of families cozy, 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 HVAC costs by lowering your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By using this method, 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 a prolonged period of time, you can adjust your thermostat as low as 50 degrees. Doing this 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, turn up the temperature gradually. That will keep your heating system from working too hard, which could be the case if you raise the temperature on your thermostat really high right away.
Recommended Thermostat Settings While You Are Sleeping
The good 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 reports somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the best temperature range for great sleep.
More Tactics 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:
Check your insulation levels
Insulate doors, windows and walls to reduce drafts, keep warm air inside and protect against heat loss. This will decrease the workload on your furnace and save energy.
Buy a programmable thermostat
Purchase a programmable thermostat to control the temperature in your home efficiently. Set lower temperatures when you're out of your home or asleep and increase them only when needed.
For even more savings, purchase a smart thermostat that can perceive when you are in or out and change the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these systems or for smart thermostat installation in Greensburg, consult with the skilled technicians at Wallpe Heating & Cooling. We can tell you how smart thermostats can benefit your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.
H3: Schedule furnace maintenance:
Plan to hire someone to do regular maintenance for your heating and cooling system. A well-maintained furnace functions more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters regularly to make sure your unit has proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Greensburg, call the team at Wallpe Heating & Cooling. Our trained technicians will get your system in top shape!
Seal air leaks
Locate and fill in any air leaks in your home. Common places for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Plugging these gaps blocks warm air from seeping out, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a cozy temperature.
Improve 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 smart long-term decision. Today’s furnaces are extremely efficient, which can considerably lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re contemplating getting a new heating system, call the professionals at Wallpe Heating & Cooling. We’re noted for knowledgeable furnace installation in Greensburg and will help you find a unit that’s well suited for your home! Call 812-663-7252 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!