As winter approaches and the temperature falls, finding ways to save money on your energy bills becomes a top priority. One of the best ways is adjusting your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without compromising comfort.
With many options and techniques available, homeowners can reduce your heating costs while still keeping your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Regardless of whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are plenty of ways to find the appropriate 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 outdoor temperature, the more money you will save on your HVAC bills.
Ideal Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home
When you’re around your home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recommends dialing your thermostat to between 68°F and 70°F in the winter. That’s warm enough to keep the majority of families comfortable, but also low enough to be energy efficient.
Effective Temperature Settings While You Not at Home
The DOE reports you can save approximately 10% on your HVAC costs by turning down your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By using this method, you’re not wasting 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 return to your home, raise the temperature slowly. That will keep your heating system from running too hard, which it could if you raise the temperature on your thermostat quite high right away.
Cost-Efficient Thermostat Settings While You Are Sleeping
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 says somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the best temperature range for good sleep.
Additional Techniques to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter
There are several other ways you can use to consume less energy this winter while you heat your home. They include:
Check your insulation levels
Insulate doors, windows and walls to cut down on drafts, keep warm air inside and protect against heat loss. This will limit the stress on your heating equipment and save energy.
Buy a programmable thermostat
Put in a programmable thermostat to regulate the temperature in your home effortlessly. Set lower temperatures when you're out of your home or asleep and increase them only when required.
For even more savings, set up a smart thermostat that can perceive when you are in or out and adjust the temperature appropriately. To learn more about these gadgets or for smart thermostat installation in Tomball, contact the skilled technicians at Premium Air Services LLC. We can tell you how smart thermostats can benefit your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.
H3: Plan furnace maintenance:
Plan regular maintenance for your HVAC system. A well-maintained furnace functions more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or replace air filters routinely to ensure proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Tomball, call the team at Premium Air Services LLC. Our trained technicians will get your system in peak condition!
Seal air leaks
Detect and close off any air leaks in your home. Common spots for leaks tend to be windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps stops warm air from leaking out of your home, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a sufficient temperature.
Improve 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 solution. Today’s furnaces are highly efficient, which can notably reduce your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re considering getting a new heating system, phone the pros at Premium Air Services LLC. We’re noted for skilled furnace installation in Tomball and will help you choose a unit that’s well suited for your home! Call 713-364-9957 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!