As winter draws near and the temperature dips, finding ways to save money on your heating bills becomes a top priority. One of the simplest techniques is adjusting your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without sacrificing comfort.
With multiple options and techniques available, it's possible to decrease 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 many ways to find the ideal balance between warmth and savings.
In general, a good rule of thumb 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.
Money-Saving Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home
When you’re around your 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 the majority of families comfy, but also low enough to be energy efficient.
Effective Temperature Settings While You Are Away
The DOE reports you can save as much as 10% on your energy 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.
Industry professionals say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone a prolonged 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 arrive home, turn up the temperature slowly. That will keep your heating system from running too hard, which could happen if you raise the temperature on your thermostat very 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 sleep better when it’s a little colder. The National Sleep Foundation suggests somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the best temperature range for great sleep.
Additional Tactics to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter
There are a number of other ways you can utilize to consume less energy this winter while you heat your home. They include:
Check your insulation levels
Insulate doors, windows and walls to cut down on drafts, keep warm air inside and avoid heat loss. This will minimize the workload on your heating equipment and save energy.
Set up a programmable thermostat
Install 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 needed.
For even more savings, buy a smart thermostat that can perceive when you are in or out and adjust the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these devices or for smart thermostat installation in Sierra Vista, consult with the skilled technicians at Arizona Comfort Systems. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can improve your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.
H3: Schedule furnace maintenance:
Plan to hire someone to do regular maintenance for your heating system. A well-maintained furnace operates more efficiently, decreasing energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters on a regular basis 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 seal any air leaks in your home. Common spots for leaks including windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps prevents warm air from leaking out of your home, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfortable temperature.
Upgrade your HVAC system
If your heating system 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 solution. Modern day furnaces are extremely efficient, which can dramatically reduce your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re contemplating getting a new heating system, call the professionals at Arizona Comfort Systems. We’re noted for skilled furnace installation in Sierra Vista and will help you choose a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 520-415-5681 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!