As winter draws near and the temperature falls, finding ways to save money on your heating bills becomes a top priority. One of the best tips is changing your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without losing comfort.
With numerous options and techniques available, it's possible to lower 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 several ways to find the perfect balance between warmth and savings.
Overall, a good guideline is the lower the temperature in 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 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 putting your thermostat to between 68°F and 70°F in the winter. That’s warm enough to keep the majority of families comfy, 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 energy costs by lowering your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By using this method, you’re not needlessly spending money heating your home while you’re not there.
Industry professionals say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone an extended period of time, you can adjust 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 cause damage to your home while you're gone.
When you return to your home, turn up 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 really high right away.
Recommended Thermostat Settings While You Are Sleeping
The nice thing about sleep-time thermostat settings in the winter is that people get good sleep when it’s a little colder. The National Sleep Foundation suggests somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the optimal temperature range for quality sleep.
Additional Methods to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter
There are many other ways 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 cut down on drafts, keep warm air inside and prevent heat loss. This will decrease the workload on your HVAC system and save energy.
Buy a programmable thermostat
Install 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 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, consult with the skilled technicians at Premium Air Services LLC. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can benefit 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 operates more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and probably avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters regularly to assure proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Tomball, call the team at Premium Air Services LLC. Our specialists will get your system in peak condition!
Seal air leaks
Locate and fill in any air leaks in your home. Frequent spots for leaks including windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Plugging these gaps stops warm air from seeping out, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a sufficient 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 want, furnace replacement may be a smart long-term solution. Today’s furnaces are very efficient, which can considerably reduce your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re considering getting a new heating system, contact the specialists at Premium Air Services LLC. We’re recognized for skilled furnace installation in Tomball and will help you choose a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 713-364-9957 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!