As winter draws near and the temperature dips, finding ways to save money on your power bills becomes a top priority. One of the most effective tips is changing your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without sacrificing comfort.
With numerous options and techniques available, homeowners can reduce your heating costs while still keeping your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are many ways to find the ideal balance between warmth and savings.
As a whole, a good rule 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 heating.
Ideal Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home
When you’re at 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 cozy, but also low enough to be energy efficient.
Effective Temperature Settings While You Are Away
The DOE states you can save approximately 10% on your home heating costs by turning down your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By doing this, 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. That will keep your furnace running so you don’t have any frozen or burst pipes while you are away.
When you arrive home, turn up the temperature little by little. That will keep your heating system from running too hard, which could happen if you raise the temperature on your thermostat really high right away.
Recommended Thermostat Settings While You Are Asleep
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 Ways to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter
There are a number of other approaches 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 avoid heat loss. This will decrease the pressure on your heating equipment 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 not home or asleep and increase them only when required.
For even more savings, purchase a smart thermostat that can sense when you are in or out and modify the temperature appropriately. To learn more about these devices or for smart thermostat installation in Sacramento, contact the skilled technicians at Bishop’s HVAC. We can explain how smart thermostats can improve your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.
H3: Schedule furnace maintenance:
Plan regular maintenance for your heating system. A well-maintained system runs more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters routinely to make sure your unit has proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Sacramento, call the team at Bishop’s HVAC. Our specialists will get your system in top shape!
Seal air leaks
Locate and close off any air leaks in your home. Typical places for leaks tend to be windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing these gaps prevents warm air from leaking out of your home, 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 desire, furnace replacement may be a smart long-term solution. Contemporary furnaces are highly efficient, which can dramatically lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re contemplating upgrading to a new heating system, contact the specialists at Bishop’s HVAC. We’re known for skilled furnace installation in Sacramento and will help you pick a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 916-591-6889 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!