As winter approaches and the temperature drops, finding ways to save money on your energy bills becomes a top priority. One of the most effective techniques is changing your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without losing comfort.
With many 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 several ways to find the appropriate balance between warmth and savings.
As a whole, 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 exterior temperature, the more money you will save on your monthly energy costs.
Money-Saving 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 comfy, but also low enough to be energy efficient.
Effective Temperature Settings While You Not at 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. That way, you’re not needlessly spending money heating your home while you’re not there.
Authorities 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. 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, raise the temperature bit by bit. That will keep your heating system from performing too hard, which could happen if you raise the temperature on your thermostat very high right away.
Recommended Thermostat Settings While You Are in Bed for The Night
The nice thing 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 good sleep.
More Tactics to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter
There are several other techniques you can utilize to consume less energy this winter while you heat your home. They include:
Check your insulation levels
Insulate doors, windows and walls to minimize drafts, keep warm air inside and prevent heat loss. This will decrease the workload on your furnace and save energy.
Install a programmable thermostat
Purchase a programmable thermostat to control the temperature in your home conveniently. Set lower temperatures when you're away 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 change the temperature appropriately. To learn more about these devices or for smart thermostat installation in Elk River, get a hold of the skilled technicians at Home Comfort Heating & Air. We can tell you how smart thermostats can benefit your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.
H3: Schedule furnace maintenance:
Schedule regular maintenance for your heating system. A well-maintained heating system functions more efficiently, decreasing energy consumption and probably avoiding costly repairs. Clean or replace air filters on a regular basis to make sure your unit has proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Elk River, call the team at Home Comfort Heating & Air. Our trained technicians will get your system in top shape!
Seal air leaks
Locate and close off any air leaks in your home. Common places for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps blocks warm air from escaping, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfy temperature.
Upgrade your HVAC system
If your HVAC equipment is old, inefficient or just isn’t able to keep your home as warm as you want, furnace replacement may be an ideal long-term option. Modern day furnaces are very efficient, which can notably decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re contemplating upgrading to a new heating system, phone the specialists at Home Comfort Heating & Air. We’re known for knowledgeable furnace installation in Elk River and will help you pick a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 763-276-0617 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!
