As winter draws near and the temperature drops, finding ways to save money on your energy bills becomes a top priority. One of the simplest strategies is adjusting your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without compromising comfort.
With numerous options and techniques available, it's possible to 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 several ways to find the ideal balance between warmth and savings.
In general, a good rule is the lower the temperature in 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 HVAC bills.
Best 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 most families cozy, but also low enough to be energy efficient.
Effective Temperature Settings While You Are Away
The DOE estimates you can save as much as 10% on your HVAC costs by decreasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By using this method, you’re not needlessly spending 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 adjust your thermostat as low as 50 degrees. Doing this will keep your furnace running so you don’t have any frozen or burst pipes cause damage to your home while you're gone.
When you return to your home, increase the temperature slowly. That will keep your heating system from running too hard, which could be the case 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 says somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the ideal temperature range for good 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:
Evaluate your insulation levels
Insulate doors, windows and walls to reduce drafts, keep warm air inside and prevent heat loss. This will limit the stress on your heating equipment and save energy.
Buy 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 necessary.
For even more savings, install a smart thermostat that can sense when you are in or out and modify the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these products or for smart thermostat installation in Weatherford, get a hold of the skilled technicians at Parker County Cooling & Heating. We can tell you how smart thermostats can improve your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.
H3: Schedule furnace maintenance:
Schedule regular maintenance for your HVAC system. A well-maintained system functions more efficiently, decreasing energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters regularly to make sure your unit has proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Weatherford, call the team at Parker County Cooling & Heating. Our trained technicians will get your system in peak condition!
Seal air leaks
Find and fill in any air leaks in your home. Typical spots for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing these gaps stops warm air from leaking out of your home, 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 an ideal long-term solution. Modern day furnaces are extremely efficient, which can dramatically lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re contemplating investing in a new heating system, call the specialists at Parker County Cooling & Heating. We’re known for knowledgeable furnace installation in Weatherford and will help you pick a unit that’s well suited for your home! Call 817-380-5213 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!