As winter approaches and the temperature drops, finding ways to save money on your energy bills becomes a top priority. One of the simplest techniques is modifying your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without losing comfort.
With several options and techniques available, you can decrease your heating costs while still making 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.
Overall, a good rule of thumb is the lower the temperature within 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 around your home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) suggests setting 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 states you can save as much as 10% on your heating costs by lowering your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. That way, 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 a prolonged period of time, you can put 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, 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.
Cost-Efficient 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 states somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the best temperature range for good sleep.
Other Ways to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter
There are a number of other ways you can utilize to consume less energy this winter while you heat your home. They include:
Evaluate your insulation levels
Insulate doors, windows and walls to cut down on drafts, keep warm air inside and protect against heat loss. This will decrease the stress on your HVAC system and save energy.
Install a programmable thermostat
Purchase a programmable thermostat to regulate the temperature in your home effectively. Set lower temperatures when you're not home or asleep and increase them only when necessary.
For even more savings, purchase a smart thermostat that can perceive when you are in or out and change the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these gadgets or for smart thermostat installation in Marshalltown, contact the skilled technicians at B & G HVAC. We can tell you how smart thermostats can benefit your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.
H3: Plan furnace maintenance:
Plan to hire someone to do regular maintenance for your HVAC system. A well-maintained furnace operates more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or replace air filters routinely to make sure your unit has proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Marshalltown, call the team at B & G HVAC. We will get your system in excellent working order!
Seal air leaks
Find and fill in any air leaks in your home. Frequent spots for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing these gaps prevents warm air from seeping out, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfy temperature.
Update 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 a good long-term option. Modern day furnaces are highly efficient, which can considerably reduce your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re contemplating getting a new heating system, call the pros at B & G HVAC. We’re known for knowledgeable furnace installation in Marshalltown and will help you select a unit that’s well suited for your home! Call 641-316-3360 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!
