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As winter approaches 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 compromising comfort.
With multiple options and techniques available, you can reduce your heating costs while still trying to keep 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.
As a whole, a good guideline 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.
Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home
When you’re going to be home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) suggests dialing your thermostat to between 68°F and 70°F in the winter. That’s warm enough to keep lots of families comfortable, but also low enough to be energy efficient.
Effective Temperature Settings While You Not at Home
The DOE estimates you can save as much as 10% on your energy costs by turning down your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. This 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 set 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 performing too hard, which could happen if you raise the temperature on your thermostat really high right away.
Recommended Thermostat Settings While You Are Asleep
The nice thing about sleep-time thermostat settings in the winter is that people sleep better when it’s a little colder. The National Sleep Foundation states somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the ideal temperature range for quality sleep.
Other Tactics to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter
There are several other ways you can employ so you 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 prevent 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 conveniently. Set lower temperatures when you're away or asleep and increase them only when needed.
For even more savings, install a smart thermostat that can detect when you are in or out and modify the temperature correctly. To learn more about these gadgets or for smart thermostat installation in Auburn and Opelika, consult with the skilled technicians at Farnell Mechanical, Inc.. We can explain how smart thermostats can help your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.
H3: Plan furnace maintenance:
Schedule regular maintenance for your heating system. A well-maintained furnace runs more efficiently, decreasing energy consumption and probably avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters routinely to ensure proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Auburn and Opelika, call the team at Farnell Mechanical, Inc.. Our trained technicians will get your system in top shape!
Seal air leaks
Detect and close off any air leaks in your home. Common sites for leaks tend to be windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Plugging these gaps prevents warm air from escaping, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfy temperature.
Upgrade 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 an ideal long-term decision. Today’s furnaces are highly efficient, which can significantly lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re thinking about upgrading to a new heating system, call the specialists at Farnell Mechanical, Inc.. We’re noted for knowledgeable furnace installation in Auburn and Opelika and will help you choose a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 334-524-2458 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!