As winter draws near and the temperature dips, finding ways to save money on your energy bills becomes a top priority. One of the simplest tips is modifying your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without sacrificing comfort.
With many options and techniques available, you can decrease your heating costs while still trying to keep your home cozy throughout the chilly season. 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 rule of thumb 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.
Ideal Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home
When you’re at home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) suggests dialing 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 Are Away
The DOE estimates you can save up to 10% on your heating costs by turning down your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. This way, 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 an extended 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 get back to your house, turn up the temperature bit by bit. 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.
Cost-Efficient Thermostat Settings While You Are Asleep
The great 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 states somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the ideal temperature range for great sleep.
More Techniques to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter
There are several other ways you can utilize to 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 avoid heat loss. This will minimize the pressure on your heating equipment and save energy.
Set up a programmable thermostat
Purchase a programmable thermostat to control the temperature in your home efficiently. Set lower temperatures when you're out of your home or asleep and increase them only when required.
For even more savings, buy a smart thermostat that can sense when you are in or out and modify the temperature appropriately. To learn more about these gadgets or for smart thermostat installation in Temple/Belton , contact the skilled technicians at Bell Air Conditioning Inc. We can explain 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 heating and cooling system. A well-maintained heating system functions more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters regularly to ensure proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Temple/Belton , call the team at Bell Air Conditioning Inc. Our trained technicians will get your system in top shape!
Seal air leaks
Detect and seal any air leaks in your home. Common sites for leaks including windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps blocks warm air from leaking out of your home, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a cozy temperature.
Upgrade your HVAC system
If your furnace 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. Modern furnaces are extremely efficient, which can significantly decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re considering upgrading to a new heating system, call the professionals at Bell Air Conditioning Inc. We’re recognized for experienced furnace installation in Temple/Belton and will help you select a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 254-307-9572 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!