As winter approaches and the temperature drops, finding ways to save money on your energy bills becomes a top priority. One of the best strategies is changing your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without sacrificing comfort.
With multiple options and techniques available, homeowners can lower your heating costs while still keeping your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Regardless of whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are several ways to find the appropriate balance between warmth and savings.
In general, a good guideline 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 HVAC bills.
Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home
When you’re going to be home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) advises 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 Going to Be Out of Your Home
The DOE states you can save as much as 10% on your heating costs by lowering your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. That way, 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 a prolonged period of time, you can set your thermostat as low as 50 degrees. Doing this will keep your furnace running so you don’t have any frozen or burst pipes waiting for you when you get home.
When you return to your home, turn up the temperature slowly. 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.
Cost-Efficient Thermostat Settings While You Are in Bed for The Night
The great news about sleep-time thermostat settings in the winter is that people generally sleep well when it’s a little colder. The National Sleep Foundation says somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the optimal temperature range for good sleep.
Additional Methods to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter
There are many other approaches you can utilize to consume less energy this winter while you heat your home. They include:
Evaluate your insulation levels
Insulate doors, windows and walls to minimize drafts, keep warm air inside and protect against heat loss. This will decrease the pressure on your HVAC system and save energy.
Buy a programmable thermostat
Purchase a programmable thermostat to regulate 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, install a smart thermostat that can detect when you are in or out and adjust the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these gadgets or for smart thermostat installation in Sacramento, consult with the skilled technicians at Bishop’s HVAC. We can tell you how smart thermostats can help your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.
H3: Plan furnace maintenance:
Plan to hire someone to do regular maintenance for your heating and cooling system. A well-maintained heating system operates more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters on a regular basis to ensure proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Sacramento, call the team at Bishop’s HVAC. Our specialists will get your system in excellent working order!
Seal air leaks
Find and seal any air leaks in your home. Frequent sites for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps blocks warm air from escaping, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a cozy temperature.
Update 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 a good long-term option. Contemporary furnaces are highly efficient, which can dramatically lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re thinking about getting a new heating system, contact the specialists at Bishop’s HVAC. We’re recognized for skilled furnace installation in Sacramento and will help you choose a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 916-591-6889 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!