As winter draws near and the temperature falls, finding ways to save money on your heating bills becomes a top priority. One of the most effective tips is modifying your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without compromising comfort.
With many options and techniques available, homeowners can lower 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 perfect balance between warmth and savings.
As a whole, a good guideline is the lower the temperature in 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.
Ideal Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home
When you’re around your 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 lots of families comfy, but also low enough to be energy efficient.
Effective Temperature Settings While You Going to Be Out of Your Home
The DOE states you can save as much as 10% on your home heating costs by lowering your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. This way, 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 a long 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 arrive home, raise the temperature little by little. That will keep your heating system from running too hard, which could be the case if you raise the temperature on your thermostat quite high right away.
Recommended Thermostat Settings While You Are Sleeping
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 best temperature range for quality sleep.
Additional Techniques to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter
There are several 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 prevent heat loss. This will minimize the pressure on your HVAC system and save energy.
Install a programmable thermostat
Purchase a programmable thermostat to manage the temperature in your home conveniently. 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 sense when you are in or out and change the temperature appropriately. To learn more about these devices or for smart thermostat installation in Mission Viejo, get a hold of the skilled technicians at 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning. We can explain how smart thermostats can help 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 runs more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters routinely to ensure proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Mission Viejo, call the team at 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning. We will get your system in top shape!
Seal air leaks
Detect and close off any air leaks in your home. Common spots 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 cozy temperature.
Update your HVAC system
If your furnace 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 extremely efficient, which can significantly lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re interested in upgrading to a new heating system, phone the pros at 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning. We’re recognized for skilled furnace installation in Mission Viejo and will help you select a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 949-204-0859 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!