As winter draws near and the temperature dips, finding ways to save money on your energy bills becomes a top priority. One of the most effective ways is modifying your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without losing comfort.
With numerous options and techniques available, homeowners can reduce your heating costs while still trying to keep your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Irrespective 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 outside temperature, the more money you will save on your monthly energy costs.
Ideal Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home
When you’re going to be 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 most 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 approximately 10% on your heating costs by decreasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By doing this, 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 long period of time, you can set your thermostat as low as 50 degrees. Doing this 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 return to your home, 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 really high right away.
Recommended Thermostat Settings While You Are in Bed for The Night
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 says somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the optimal temperature range for quality sleep.
More Methods to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter
There are a number of other ways 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 protect against heat loss. This will decrease the stress on your furnace and save energy.
Set up a programmable thermostat
Install a programmable thermostat to control the temperature in your home effortlessly. Set lower temperatures when you're away or asleep and increase them only when required.
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 devices or for smart thermostat installation in Corpus Christi, contact the skilled technicians at Total Assurance AC & Heating. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can benefit your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.
H3: Plan furnace maintenance:
Schedule regular maintenance for your heating system. A well-maintained system operates more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and probably avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters on a regular basis to make sure your unit has proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Corpus Christi, call the team at Total Assurance AC & Heating. We will get your system in top shape!
Seal air leaks
Find and seal any air leaks in your home. Frequent places for leaks including windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing these gaps blocks warm air from leaking out of your home, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfortable temperature.
Update your HVAC system
If your HVAC equipment 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 furnaces are extremely efficient, which can considerably reduce your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re thinking about getting a new heating system, call the specialists at Total Assurance AC & Heating. We’re noted for skilled furnace installation in Corpus Christi and will help you select a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 361-217-7080 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!