As winter gets closer and the temperature drops, finding ways to save money on your heating bills becomes a top priority. One of the best strategies is adjusting your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without sacrificing comfort.
With multiple 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 many 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 outdoor temperature, the more money you will save on your HVAC bills.
Money-Saving Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home
When you’re going to be home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) advises setting your thermostat to between 68°F and 70°F in the winter. That’s warm enough to keep lots of families comfortable, but also low enough to be energy efficient.
Effective Temperature Settings While You Not at Home
The DOE states you can save up to 10% on your heating costs by turning down your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. This way, you’re not wasting money heating your home while you’re not there.
Experts 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. This will be warm enough it 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 get back to your house, turn up 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 very high right away.
Cost-Efficient Thermostat Settings While You Are in Bed for The Night
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 states somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the ideal temperature range for quality sleep.
More Techniques 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:
Evaluate your insulation levels
Insulate doors, windows and walls to reduce 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 manage the temperature in your home effortlessly. Set lower temperatures when you're not home or asleep and increase them only when required.
For even more savings, set up a smart thermostat that can perceive when you are in or out and modify the temperature appropriately. To learn more about these devices or for smart thermostat installation in Streamwood, get a hold of the skilled technicians at Pure Comfort Heating and Air Conditioning. We can tell you how smart thermostats can benefit your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.
H3: Arrange furnace maintenance:
Plan to hire someone to do regular maintenance for your heating and cooling system. A well-maintained system operates more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and probably avoiding costly repairs. Clean or replace air filters regularly to ensure proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Streamwood, call the team at Pure Comfort Heating and Air Conditioning. Our specialists will get your system in peak condition!
Seal air leaks
Locate and seal any air leaks in your home. Common sites for leaks including windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps blocks warm air from escaping, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfortable temperature.
Update your HVAC system
If your furnace is old, inefficient or just isn’t able to keep your home as warm as you desire, furnace replacement may be an ideal long-term option. Modern day furnaces are extremely efficient, which can dramatically lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re thinking about upgrading to a new heating system, phone the pros at Pure Comfort Heating and Air Conditioning. We’re noted for skilled furnace installation in Streamwood and will help you find a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 630-313-2509 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!