As winter draws near and the temperature dips, finding ways to save money on your heating bills becomes a top priority. One of the simplest techniques is adjusting your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without losing comfort.
With several options and techniques available, you can reduce your heating costs while still trying to keep your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Irrespective of 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 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 your HVAC bills.
Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home
When you’re going to be 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 lots of families comfy, but also low enough to be energy efficient.
Effective Temperature Settings While You Are Away
The DOE states you can save approximately 10% on your home heating costs by turning down your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. This way, you’re not throwing away 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 adjust 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 get back to your house, raise the temperature little by little. That will keep your heating system from performing too hard, which could happen if you raise the temperature on your thermostat very high right away.
Cost-Efficient Thermostat Settings While You Are Asleep
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 ideal temperature range for quality sleep.
More Tactics 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:
Examine your insulation levels
Insulate doors, windows and walls to reduce drafts, keep warm air inside and prevent heat loss. This will limit the pressure on your heating equipment and save energy.
Install a programmable thermostat
Put in a programmable thermostat to manage the temperature in your home effectively. Set lower temperatures when you're out of your home or asleep and increase them only when needed.
For even more savings, install a smart thermostat that can perceive when you are in or out and change the temperature correctly. To learn more about these devices or for smart thermostat installation in Alice, get a hold of the skilled technicians at Rescue Heating & Air. We can explain how smart thermostats can benefit your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.
H3: Plan furnace maintenance:
Plan regular maintenance for your heating system. A well-maintained heating system functions more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters regularly to make sure your unit has proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Alice, call the team at Rescue Heating & Air. Our trained technicians will get your system in excellent working order!
Seal air leaks
Detect and fill in any air leaks in your home. Typical spots for leaks tend to be windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Plugging these gaps stops warm air from leaking out of your home, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a sufficient temperature.
Update your HVAC system
If your heating system 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 decision. Modern day furnaces are very efficient, which can considerably reduce your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re contemplating upgrading to a new heating system, phone the professionals at Rescue Heating & Air. We’re known for experienced furnace installation in Alice and will help you pick a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 361-265-4371 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!