As winter draws near and the temperature drops, 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 compromising comfort.
With many options and techniques available, it's possible to lower 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 several ways to find the appropriate balance between warmth and savings.
As a whole, a good rule is the lower the temperature within 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 your HVAC bills.
Best 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 the majority of families comfortable, but also low enough to be energy efficient.
Effective Temperature Settings While You Are Away
The DOE states you can save up to 10% on your heating costs by lowering 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.
Experts 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 return to your home, increase the temperature gradually. That will keep your heating system from working too hard, which it could if you raise the temperature on your thermostat very high right away.
Recommended Thermostat Settings While You Are Asleep
The good 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 reports somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the best temperature range for good sleep.
Other Ways to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter
There are many other ways 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 minimize drafts, keep warm air inside and counter heat loss. This will minimize the pressure on your HVAC system and save energy.
Install a programmable thermostat
Install a programmable thermostat to control the temperature in your home effortlessly. Set lower temperatures when you're not home or asleep and increase them only when needed.
For even more savings, buy a smart thermostat that can detect when you are in or out and modify the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these devices or for smart thermostat installation in Sierra Vista, contact the skilled technicians at Arizona Comfort Systems. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can benefit your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.
H3: Arrange furnace maintenance:
Schedule regular maintenance for your HVAC system. A well-maintained system runs more efficiently, decreasing energy consumption and probably avoiding costly repairs. Clean or replace air filters routinely to ensure proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Sierra Vista, call the team at Arizona Comfort Systems. We will get your system in top shape!
Seal air leaks
Detect and fill in any air leaks in your home. Frequent sites for leaks are 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 sufficient 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 a smart long-term option. Today’s furnaces are very efficient, which can notably reduce your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re interested in upgrading to a new heating system, contact the professionals at Arizona Comfort Systems. We’re noted for skilled furnace installation in Sierra Vista and will help you find a unit that’s well suited for your home! Call 520-415-5681 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!