As winter draws near and the temperature drops, finding ways to save money on your heating bills becomes a top priority. One of the most effective strategies is changing your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without losing comfort.
With multiple options and techniques available, it's possible to lower your heating costs while still trying to keep 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.
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 monthly energy costs.
Ideal Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home
When you’re around your home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recommends putting your thermostat to between 68°F and 70°F in the winter. That’s warm enough to keep lots of families cozy, but also low enough to be energy efficient.
Effective Temperature Settings While You Not at Home
The DOE estimates you can save as much as 10% on your energy costs by lowering your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By doing this, you’re not wasting 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 set 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 while you are away.
When you return to your home, turn up the temperature gradually. 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.
Suggested Thermostat Settings While You Are in Bed for The Night
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 optimal temperature range for great sleep.
More Methods to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter
There are many other techniques 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 counter heat loss. This will limit the pressure on your heating equipment and save energy.
Buy a programmable thermostat
Purchase a programmable thermostat to control the temperature in your home effortlessly. Set lower temperatures when you're out of your home or asleep and increase them only when needed.
For even more savings, buy a smart thermostat that can perceive when you are in or out and adjust the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these products or for smart thermostat installation in Port St. Lucie, consult with the skilled technicians at Custom Air Systems Inc. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can benefit your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.
H3: Arrange furnace maintenance:
Schedule regular maintenance for your heating system. A well-maintained heating system operates more efficiently, decreasing energy consumption and probably avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters routinely to ensure proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Port St. Lucie, call the team at Custom Air Systems Inc. Our trained technicians will get your system in peak condition!
Seal air leaks
Detect and close off any air leaks in your home. Typical sites for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Plugging these gaps blocks warm air from escaping, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfortable temperature.
Improve your HVAC system
If your furnace is old, inefficient or just isn’t able to keep your home as warm as you need, furnace replacement may be a smart long-term solution. Contemporary furnaces are extremely efficient, which can dramatically lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re thinking about investing in a new heating system, contact the specialists at Custom Air Systems Inc. We’re recognized for skilled furnace installation in Port St. Lucie and will help you pick a unit that’s well suited for your home! Call 772-247-2283 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!