As winter approaches and the temperature drops, finding ways to save money on your power bills becomes a top priority. One of the most effective tips is modifying your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without sacrificing comfort.
With multiple options and techniques available, homeowners can reduce your heating costs while still keeping your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are many ways to find the appropriate balance between warmth and savings.
As a whole, a good guideline 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 heating.
Ideal Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home
When you’re around your 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 lots of families cozy, but also low enough to be energy efficient.
Effective Temperature Settings While You Are Away
The DOE reports you can save up to 10% on your heating costs by lowering your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By doing this, you’re not needlessly spending money heating your home while you’re not there.
Experts say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone a prolonged 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 waiting for you when you get home.
When you get back to your house, increase the temperature little by little. That will keep your heating system from running too hard, which could happen if you raise the temperature on your thermostat quite high right away.
Suggested Thermostat Settings While You Are in Bed for The Night
The nice thing about sleep-time thermostat settings in the winter is that people sleep better when it’s a little colder. The National Sleep Foundation says somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the best temperature range for great sleep.
Additional Techniques to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter
There are several other techniques you can employ so you consume less energy this winter while you heat your home. They include:
Check your insulation levels
Insulate doors, windows and walls to reduce drafts, keep warm air inside and protect against heat loss. This will limit the pressure on your heating equipment and save energy.
Buy a programmable thermostat
Put in a programmable thermostat to manage the temperature in your home effortlessly. Set lower temperatures when you're not home or asleep and increase them only when needed.
For even more savings, set up a smart thermostat that can detect when you are in or out and adjust the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these products or for smart thermostat installation in Newton, consult with the skilled technicians at Brookwood Inc. We can tell you how smart thermostats can benefit your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.
H3: Arrange furnace maintenance:
Schedule regular maintenance for your HVAC system. A well-maintained system operates more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or replace air filters on a regular basis to make sure your unit has proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Newton, call the team at Brookwood Inc. We will get your system in excellent working order!
Seal air leaks
Locate and fill in any air leaks in your home. Frequent sites for leaks tend to be windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Plugging these gaps blocks warm air from seeping out, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a sufficient temperature.
Improve your HVAC system
If your furnace 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 decision. Today’s furnaces are highly efficient, which can considerably reduce your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re thinking about upgrading to a new heating system, call the specialists at Brookwood Inc. We’re recognized for knowledgeable furnace installation in Newton and will help you find a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 641-316-9803 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!
