As winter gets closer and the temperature falls, finding ways to save money on your energy bills becomes a top priority. One of the most effective ways is adjusting your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without sacrificing comfort.
With several options and techniques available, you can decrease your heating costs while still trying to keep your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are many ways to find the perfect 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 outside temperature, the more money you will save on your monthly energy costs.
Money-Saving Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home
When you’re going to be home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) suggests setting 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 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.
Industry professionals say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone a long period of time, you can put 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 waiting for you when you get home.
When you get back to your house, turn up the temperature gradually. That will keep your heating system from performing too hard, which could be the case if you raise the temperature on your thermostat very high right away.
Recommended 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 great sleep.
Additional Techniques to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter
There are several other approaches you can employ so you consume less energy this winter while you heat your home. They include:
Examine your insulation levels
Insulate doors, windows and walls to reduce drafts, keep warm air inside and avoid heat loss. This will minimize the workload on your heating equipment and save energy.
Set up a programmable thermostat
Purchase a programmable thermostat to regulate the temperature in your home conveniently. Set lower temperatures when you're away or asleep and increase them only when necessary.
For even more savings, purchase a smart thermostat that can sense when you are in or out and adjust the temperature correctly. To learn more about these gadgets or for smart thermostat installation in Ballwin and St. Charles, consult with the skilled technicians at Air Alliance Team. We can tell you how smart thermostats can benefit your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.
H3: Plan furnace maintenance:
Schedule regular maintenance for your heating system. A well-maintained furnace operates more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and probably avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters regularly to make sure your unit has proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Ballwin and St. Charles, call the team at Air Alliance Team. Our specialists will get your system in peak condition!
Seal air leaks
Detect and close off any air leaks in your home. Frequent sites for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps blocks 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 heating system is old, inefficient or just isn’t able to keep your home as warm as you want, furnace replacement may be a good long-term decision. Modern furnaces are very efficient, which can considerably lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re considering investing in a new heating system, call the specialists at Air Alliance Team. We’re noted for skilled furnace installation in Ballwin and St. Charles and will help you pick a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 636-206-4584 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!