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 several options and techniques available, homeowners can decrease 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 plenty of ways to find the appropriate balance between warmth and savings.
In general, a good rule of thumb is the lower the temperature within your home and the less difference there is between the air inside your home and the exterior 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 approximately 10% on your HVAC costs by turning down your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By doing this, 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 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 arrive home, turn up the temperature gradually. 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.
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 sleep better when it’s a little colder. The National Sleep Foundation reports somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the ideal temperature range for good sleep.
Other Ways to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter
There are many other techniques 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 cut down on drafts, keep warm air inside and counter heat loss. This will minimize the pressure on your HVAC system and save energy.
Set up a programmable thermostat
Purchase a programmable thermostat to control the temperature in your home effectively. Set lower temperatures when you're out of your home or asleep and increase them only when necessary.
For even more savings, install a smart thermostat that can detect when you are in or out and adjust the temperature correctly. To learn more about these devices or for smart thermostat installation in Naples, contact the skilled technicians at Speedy Air Conditioning. 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 HVAC system. A well-maintained system functions more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or replace air filters routinely to ensure proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Naples, call the team at Speedy Air Conditioning. Our specialists will get your system in top shape!
Seal air leaks
Find and seal any air leaks in your home. Frequent spots for leaks tend to be windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Plugging these gaps blocks warm air from seeping out, 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 need, 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 interested in upgrading to a new heating system, contact the specialists at Speedy Air Conditioning. We’re noted for experienced furnace installation in Naples and will help you pick a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 239-244-3439 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!
