As winter gets closer 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 sacrificing comfort.
With numerous options and techniques available, it's possible to lower your heating costs while still making 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 perfect balance between warmth and savings.
In general, a good rule 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 around your home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) advises 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 Not at Home
The DOE estimates you can save approximately 10% on your home heating costs by decreasing 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.
Authorities 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. That 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 bit by bit. That will keep your heating system from working too hard, which could happen if you raise the temperature on your thermostat very high right away.
Recommended Thermostat Settings While You Are in Bed for The Night
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 reports somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the optimal temperature range for good sleep.
More Tactics to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter
There are many other approaches you can use to 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 limit the workload on your HVAC system and save energy.
Set up a programmable thermostat
Put in a programmable thermostat to regulate the temperature in your home conveniently. Set lower temperatures when you're not home or asleep and increase them only when necessary.
For even more savings, set up 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 Carson City, get a hold of the skilled technicians at Anderson Heating & A/C. 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 heating and cooling system. A well-maintained furnace operates more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters on a regular basis to make sure your unit has proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Carson City, call the team at Anderson Heating & A/C. Our specialists will get your system in excellent working order!
Seal air leaks
Detect and close off any air leaks in your home. Typical 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 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 very efficient, which can considerably reduce your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re contemplating investing in a new heating system, contact the specialists at Anderson Heating & A/C. We’re noted for knowledgeable furnace installation in Carson City and will help you select a unit that’s well suited for your home! Call 775-230-7628 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!