As winter gets closer and the temperature dips, finding ways to save money on your heating bills becomes a top priority. One of the best ways is changing your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without losing comfort.
With numerous options and techniques available, you can lower your heating costs while still keeping your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are plenty of ways to find the perfect balance between warmth and savings.
As a whole, a good rule is the lower the temperature inside 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 monthly energy costs.
Ideal Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home
When you’re going to be home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) advises setting your thermostat to between 68°F and 70°F in the winter. That’s warm enough to keep the majority of families cozy, but also low enough to be energy efficient.
Effective Temperature Settings While You Not at Home
The DOE reports you can save as much as 10% on your heating costs by decreasing 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.
Industry professionals 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. 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 get back to your house, raise the temperature gradually. That will keep your heating system from running too hard, which could happen if you raise the temperature on your thermostat quite high right away.
Recommended Thermostat Settings While You Are in Bed for The Night
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 suggests somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the ideal temperature range for quality sleep.
Additional Ways to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter
There are many other techniques you can use to consume less energy this winter while you heat your home. They include:
Examine your insulation levels
Insulate doors, windows and walls to reduce drafts, keep warm air inside and counter heat loss. This will decrease the stress on your HVAC system and save energy.
Buy a programmable thermostat
Install a programmable thermostat to control the temperature in your home efficiently. Set lower temperatures when you're not home or asleep and increase them only when necessary.
For even more savings, install a smart thermostat that can sense when you are in or out and change the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these systems or for smart thermostat installation in New Castle, consult with the skilled technicians at Central Heating & Plumbing. We can tell you how smart thermostats can help your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.
H3: Plan furnace maintenance:
Plan regular maintenance for your heating system. A well-maintained furnace functions more efficiently, decreasing energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or replace air filters regularly to assure proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in New Castle, call the team at Central Heating & Plumbing. We will get your system in top shape!
Seal air leaks
Locate and fill in any air leaks in your home. Frequent sites for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing these gaps stops warm air from escaping, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfortable temperature.
Update your HVAC system
If your furnace is old, inefficient or just isn’t able to keep your home as warm as you want, furnace replacement may be a good long-term option. Modern furnaces are highly efficient, which can dramatically decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re considering upgrading to a new heating system, phone the professionals at Central Heating & Plumbing. We’re known for experienced furnace installation in New Castle and will help you choose a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 724-401-1843 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!