As winter approaches and the temperature drops, finding ways to save money on your energy bills becomes a top priority. One of the simplest ways is adjusting your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without losing comfort.
With many options and techniques available, you can lower 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 many ways to find the ideal balance between warmth and savings.
In general, a good rule of thumb 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.
Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home
When you’re going to be home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) advises putting 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 reports you can save as much as 10% on your heating costs by turning down your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. This 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. 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, turn up the temperature slowly. That will keep your heating system from working too hard, which it could if you raise the temperature on your thermostat really high right away.
Suggested Thermostat Settings While You Are Sleeping
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 best temperature range for quality sleep.
Other Techniques to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter
There are many other techniques 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 minimize the pressure on your heating equipment and save energy.
Buy a programmable thermostat
Install a programmable thermostat to manage the temperature in your home effectively. Set lower temperatures when you're not home or asleep and increase them only when required.
For even more savings, install a smart thermostat that can sense when you are in or out and modify the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these products or for smart thermostat installation in Muldrow, get a hold of the skilled technicians at Air Service Co.. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can improve 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 system functions more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters routinely to ensure proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Muldrow, call the team at Air Service Co.. Our trained technicians will get your system in peak condition!
Seal air leaks
Detect and seal 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 escaping, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a cozy temperature.
Update your HVAC system
If your furnace is old, inefficient or just isn’t able to keep your home as warm as you need, furnace replacement may be a good long-term decision. Modern furnaces are extremely efficient, which can significantly decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re interested in upgrading to a new heating system, contact the professionals at Air Service Co.. We’re noted for skilled furnace installation in Muldrow and will help you choose a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 918-212-8943 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!