As winter draws near and the temperature drops, finding ways to save money on your heating bills becomes a top priority. One of the best ways is adjusting your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without compromising comfort.
With several options and techniques available, you can lower your heating costs while still trying to keep 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 ideal balance between warmth and savings.
In general, 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 outdoor 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) suggests setting 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. That way, you’re not needlessly spending 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 set 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, raise the temperature little by little. That will keep your heating system from performing too hard, which it could if you raise the temperature on your thermostat very high right away.
Suggested Thermostat Settings While You Are Sleeping
The good 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 best temperature range for quality sleep.
More Tactics to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter
There are several 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 counter heat loss. This will minimize the workload on your furnace and save energy.
Set up a programmable thermostat
Purchase a programmable thermostat to regulate the temperature in your home effortlessly. Set lower temperatures when you're out of your 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 adjust the temperature appropriately. To learn more about these gadgets or for smart thermostat installation in Delray Beach, contact the skilled technicians at Kilbourne Heating & AC. We can tell you how smart thermostats can help your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.
H3: Plan furnace maintenance:
Schedule regular maintenance for your heating and cooling system. A well-maintained system functions more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters on a regular basis to ensure proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Delray Beach, call the team at Kilbourne Heating & AC. Our specialists will get your system in excellent working order!
Seal air leaks
Locate and seal any air leaks in your home. Typical places for leaks including windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Plugging these gaps stops 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. Contemporary furnaces are very efficient, which can notably decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re thinking about investing in a new heating system, call the pros at Kilbourne Heating & AC. We’re noted for knowledgeable furnace installation in Delray Beach and will help you select a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 561-287-7071 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!