As winter approaches and the temperature dips, finding ways to save money on your energy bills becomes a top priority. One of the most effective strategies is adjusting your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without compromising comfort.
With numerous options and techniques available, you can reduce 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 many ways to find the ideal balance between warmth and savings.
Overall, a good rule 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.
Money-Saving Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home
When you’re at 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 most families comfy, but also low enough to be energy efficient.
Effective Temperature Settings While You Going to Be Out of Your Home
The DOE states you can save up to 10% on your home heating costs by lowering 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.
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. Doing this 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 arrive home, increase the temperature slowly. That will keep your heating system from performing too hard, which it could if you raise the temperature on your thermostat really high right away.
Suggested Thermostat Settings While You Are Sleeping
The good 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 reports somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the ideal temperature range for great sleep.
More Ways to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter
There are several other ways you can employ so you consume less energy this winter while you heat your home. They include:
Evaluate your insulation levels
Insulate doors, windows and walls to reduce drafts, keep warm air inside and prevent heat loss. This will decrease the pressure on your furnace 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 not home or asleep and increase them only when needed.
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 products or for smart thermostat installation in Hodgenville, get a hold of the skilled technicians at Phelps Heating & Cooling, Inc.. We can tell you how smart thermostats can improve 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, decreasing energy consumption and probably avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters on a regular basis to make sure your unit has proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Hodgenville, call the team at Phelps Heating & Cooling, Inc.. We will get your system in excellent working order!
Seal air leaks
Locate and fill in any air leaks in your home. Common sites for leaks tend to be windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing these gaps blocks warm air from escaping, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfortable 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 need, furnace replacement may be a smart long-term option. Modern day furnaces are very efficient, which can notably lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re interested in upgrading to a new heating system, phone the pros at Phelps Heating & Cooling, Inc.. We’re noted for skilled furnace installation in Hodgenville and will help you find a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 270-358-3167 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!