As winter draws near and the temperature drops, finding ways to save money on your power bills becomes a top priority. One of the simplest tips is modifying your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without sacrificing comfort.
With many options and techniques available, homeowners can decrease 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 plenty of ways to find the perfect balance between warmth and savings.
As a whole, 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 outside temperature, the more money you will save on your monthly energy costs.
Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home
When you’re going to be home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) advises dialing your thermostat to between 68°F and 70°F in the winter. That’s warm enough to keep the majority of families cozy, but also low enough to be energy efficient.
Effective Temperature Settings While You Going to Be Out of Your Home
The DOE estimates you can save up to 10% on your HVAC costs by turning down 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 adjust your thermostat as low as 50 degrees. Doing this will keep your furnace running so you don’t have any frozen or burst pipes while you are away.
When you return to your home, increase the temperature bit by bit. That will keep your heating system from working too hard, which could happen if you raise the temperature on your thermostat really high right away.
Suggested 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 reports somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the best temperature range for quality sleep.
Additional Tactics to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter
There are several other techniques 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 minimize drafts, keep warm air inside and counter heat loss. This will decrease the pressure on your furnace and save energy.
Set up a programmable thermostat
Put in a programmable thermostat to regulate the temperature in your home conveniently. Set lower temperatures when you're out of your 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 change the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these products or for smart thermostat installation in Pocatello, get a hold of the skilled technicians at Vogts Heating & Air. We can tell you how smart thermostats can benefit your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.
H3: Arrange furnace maintenance:
Schedule regular maintenance for your HVAC system. A well-maintained system operates more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters routinely to assure proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Pocatello, call the team at Vogts Heating & Air. We will get your system in top shape!
Seal air leaks
Locate and fill in any air leaks in your home. Typical places for leaks including windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps stops warm air from escaping, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfy 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 option. Modern furnaces are highly efficient, which can notably reduce your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re contemplating investing in a new heating system, contact the specialists at Vogts Heating & Air. We’re recognized for skilled furnace installation in Pocatello and will help you pick a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 208-621-0129 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!