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 tips is modifying your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without losing comfort.
With several options and techniques available, homeowners can decrease your heating costs while still keeping 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 ideal balance between warmth and savings.
Overall, a good guideline is the lower the temperature inside 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 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 Are Away
The DOE reports you can save approximately 10% on your home heating costs by turning down 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.
Industry professionals say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone a prolonged 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 cause damage to your home while you’re gone.
When you arrive home, increase the temperature bit by bit. That will keep your heating system from running too hard, which it could if you raise the temperature on your thermostat really high right away.
Recommended Thermostat Settings While You Are Asleep
The nice thing 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 ideal temperature range for good sleep.
Additional Methods to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter
There are many other ways you can use to consume less energy this winter while you heat your home. They include:
Check your insulation levels
Insulate doors, windows and walls to cut down on drafts, keep warm air inside and avoid heat loss. This will decrease the workload on your furnace and save energy.
Buy a programmable thermostat
Install a programmable thermostat to regulate the temperature in your home efficiently. Set lower temperatures when you’re away or asleep and increase them only when needed.
For even more savings, purchase a smart thermostat that can detect when you are in or out and adjust the temperature correctly. To learn more about these gadgets or for smart thermostat installation in Naples, consult with the skilled technicians at Speedy Air Conditioning. We can tell you how smart thermostats can improve your home’s comfort—and your pocketbook.
H3: Arrange furnace maintenance:
Plan regular maintenance for your heating system. A well-maintained furnace functions more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters regularly to ensure proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Naples, call the team at Speedy Air Conditioning. We will get your system in peak condition!
Seal air leaks
Locate and fill in any air leaks in your home. Frequent places 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.
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 an ideal long-term decision. Modern furnaces are extremely efficient, which can considerably decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re thinking about getting a new heating system, call the professionals at Speedy Air Conditioning. We’re known for experienced furnace installation in Naples and will help you choose a unit that’s well suited for your home! Call 239-244-3439 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!