As winter gets closer and the temperature falls, finding ways to save money on your power bills becomes a top priority. One of the best tips is changing your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without compromising comfort.
With several options and techniques available, homeowners can decrease your heating costs while still making 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 rule is the lower the temperature in your home and the less difference there is between the air inside your home and the exterior temperature, the more money you will save on heating.
Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home
When you’re around your home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recommends dialing your thermostat to between 68°F and 70°F in the winter. That’s warm enough to keep most families comfortable, but also low enough to be energy efficient.
Effective Temperature Settings While You Going to Be Out of Your Home
The DOE reports you can save approximately 10% on your home heating costs by lowering your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. That way, you’re not throwing away 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 waiting for you when you get home.
When you return to your home, increase the temperature bit by bit. That will keep your heating system from performing too hard, which it could if you raise the temperature on your thermostat really high right away.
Cost-Efficient Thermostat Settings While You Are Sleeping
The great news about sleep-time thermostat settings in the winter is that people get good sleep when it’s a little colder. The National Sleep Foundation reports somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the optimal temperature range for great sleep.
Additional Tactics to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter
There are a number of other techniques 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 minimize drafts, keep warm air inside and avoid heat loss. This will minimize the pressure on your furnace 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 out of your home or asleep and increase them only when needed.
For even more savings, purchase a smart thermostat that can detect when you are in or out and change the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these gadgets or for smart thermostat installation in Belton, consult with the skilled technicians at Myers Furnace Company. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can improve your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.
H3: Plan furnace maintenance:
Plan regular maintenance for your heating and cooling system. A well-maintained system functions more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and probably avoiding costly repairs. Clean or replace air filters on a regular basis to assure proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Belton, call the team at Myers Furnace Company. Our trained technicians will get your system in top shape!
Seal air leaks
Detect and seal any air leaks in your home. Frequent sites for leaks tend to be windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Plugging these gaps prevents warm air from leaking out of your home, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfy temperature.
Improve 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 an ideal long-term option. Contemporary furnaces are extremely efficient, which can significantly reduce your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re contemplating getting a new heating system, call the specialists at Myers Furnace Company. We’re noted for experienced furnace installation in Belton and will help you choose a unit that’s well suited for your home! Call 816-249-1619 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!