As winter draws near and the temperature drops, finding ways to save money on your power bills becomes a top priority. One of the most effective strategies is modifying your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without losing comfort.
With multiple options and techniques available, homeowners can decrease your heating costs while still trying to keep your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Regardless of whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are many ways to find the perfect balance between warmth and savings.
As a whole, a good guideline is the lower the temperature in your home and the less difference there is between the air inside your home and the outdoor 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 most families comfy, but also low enough to be energy efficient.
Effective Temperature Settings While You Going to Be Out of Your Home
The DOE reports you can save approximately 10% on your energy costs by decreasing 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.
Experts 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 waiting for you when you get home.
When you return to your home, increase the temperature bit by bit. That will keep your heating system from working too hard, which could happen if you raise the temperature on your thermostat quite high right away.
Recommended Thermostat Settings While You Are Asleep
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 says somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the optimal temperature range for good sleep.
More Methods to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter
There are a number of other techniques you can use to consume less energy this winter while you heat your home. They include:
Examine your insulation levels
Insulate doors, windows and walls to cut down on drafts, keep warm air inside and counter heat loss. This will limit the pressure on your HVAC system and save energy.
Buy a programmable thermostat
Install a programmable thermostat to manage the temperature in your home conveniently. Set lower temperatures when you're not home or asleep and increase them only when necessary.
For even more savings, install a smart thermostat that can perceive when you are in or out and change the temperature correctly. To learn more about these devices or for smart thermostat installation in Reinholds, contact the skilled technicians at County Line Mechanical LLC. We can explain how smart thermostats can improve your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.
H3: Plan furnace maintenance:
Plan regular maintenance for your heating system. A well-maintained furnace runs more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters routinely to ensure proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Reinholds, call the team at County Line Mechanical LLC. Our specialists will get your system in top shape!
Seal air leaks
Detect and close off any air leaks in your home. Common places for leaks including windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing these gaps blocks warm air from escaping, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a sufficient temperature.
Improve 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 an ideal long-term decision. Modern day furnaces are highly efficient, which can notably lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re contemplating investing in a new heating system, call the specialists at County Line Mechanical LLC. We’re recognized for experienced furnace installation in Reinholds and will help you pick a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 717-216-0846 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!