As winter draws near and the temperature drops, finding ways to save money on your power bills becomes a top priority. One of the best techniques is modifying your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without sacrificing comfort.
With multiple options and techniques available, you can decrease 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 plenty of ways to find the ideal balance between warmth and savings.
As a whole, 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 outside temperature, the more money you will save on heating.
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 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 reports you can save as much as 10% on your energy costs by decreasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By using this method, you’re not throwing away 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, raise the temperature slowly. That will keep your heating system from performing too hard, which could be the case if you raise the temperature on your thermostat quite high right away.
Suggested Thermostat Settings While You Are in Bed for The Night
The good news about sleep-time thermostat settings in the winter is that people generally sleep well when it’s a little colder. The National Sleep Foundation suggests somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the ideal temperature range for quality sleep.
Other Methods to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter
There are several other approaches 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 avoid heat loss. This will decrease the stress on your HVAC system and save energy.
Install 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 needed.
For even more savings, buy a smart thermostat that can perceive when you are in or out and change the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these devices or for smart thermostat installation in Holdrege, contact the skilled technicians at Durable Service. We can tell you how smart thermostats can improve your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.
H3: Schedule furnace maintenance:
Plan to hire someone to do regular maintenance for your HVAC system. A well-maintained furnace operates more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters regularly to make sure your unit has proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Holdrege, call the team at Durable Service. Our specialists will get your system in top shape!
Seal air leaks
Find and fill in any air leaks in your home. Frequent spots for leaks including windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps stops warm air from seeping out, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfortable temperature.
Upgrade your HVAC system
If your HVAC equipment is old, inefficient or just isn’t able to keep your home as warm as you need, furnace replacement may be a smart long-term solution. Modern furnaces are very efficient, which can dramatically lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re thinking about investing in a new heating system, call the specialists at Durable Service. We’re known for knowledgeable furnace installation in Holdrege and will help you find a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 308-995-8177 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!