As winter gets closer and the temperature dips, finding ways to save money on your power bills becomes a top priority. One of the best tips is changing your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without compromising comfort.
With numerous options and techniques available, homeowners can 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 several ways to find the ideal balance between warmth and savings.
Overall, 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 outdoor temperature, the more money you will save on your HVAC bills.
Money-Saving Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home
When you’re around your home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recommends setting your thermostat to between 68°F and 70°F in the winter. That’s warm enough to keep lots 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 estimates you can save as much as 10% on your energy costs by turning down your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By doing this, you’re not throwing away 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 put your thermostat as low as 50 degrees. That 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 little by little. That will keep your heating system from performing too hard, which it could if you raise the temperature on your thermostat very high right away.
Suggested Thermostat Settings While You Are Asleep
The great news about sleep-time thermostat settings in the winter is that people sleep better when it’s a little colder. The National Sleep Foundation states somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the best temperature range for good sleep.
Other Techniques to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter
There are many other approaches you can employ so you consume less energy this winter while you heat your home. They include:
Evaluate your insulation levels
Insulate doors, windows and walls to reduce drafts, keep warm air inside and protect against heat loss. This will minimize the pressure on your HVAC system and save energy.
Set up a programmable thermostat
Purchase a programmable thermostat to manage the temperature in your home effectively. Set lower temperatures when you're away 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 adjust the temperature appropriately. To learn more about these devices or for smart thermostat installation in Fredericksburg, contact the skilled technicians at Childress Heating & AC. 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 and cooling system. A well-maintained furnace operates more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or replace air filters on a regular basis to assure proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Fredericksburg, call the team at Childress Heating & AC. Our trained technicians will get your system in top shape!
Seal air leaks
Detect and fill in any air leaks in your home. Frequent sites for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Plugging these gaps prevents warm air from escaping, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfy temperature.
Upgrade your HVAC system
If your heating system is old, inefficient or just isn’t able to keep your home as warm as you desire, furnace replacement may be a good long-term decision. Today’s furnaces are highly efficient, which can notably lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re considering upgrading to a new heating system, contact the specialists at Childress Heating & AC. We’re noted for skilled furnace installation in Fredericksburg and will help you pick a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 540-675-4306 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!