
As winter approaches and the temperature dips, finding ways to save money on your power bills becomes a top priority. One of the most effective strategies is adjusting your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without sacrificing comfort.
With numerous options and techniques available, you can lower your heating costs while still making 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 perfect balance between warmth and savings.
Overall, 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 outside temperature, the more money you will save on your HVAC bills.
Ideal Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home
When you’re around your 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 lots 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 approximately 10% on your heating costs by turning down your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By using this method, you’re not wasting money heating your home while you’re not there.
Experts 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 cause damage to your home while you're gone.
When you get back to your house, increase the temperature gradually. That will keep your heating system from working too hard, which could happen if you raise the temperature on your thermostat quite high right away.
Recommended Thermostat Settings While You Are Sleeping
The nice thing about sleep-time thermostat settings in the winter is that people get good sleep when it’s a little colder. The National Sleep Foundation says somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the optimal temperature range for good sleep.
Additional Methods to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter
There are many other techniques you can utilize to consume less energy this winter while you heat your home. They include:
Examine your insulation levels
Insulate doors, windows and walls to cut down on drafts, keep warm air inside and protect against heat loss. This will minimize the stress on your heating equipment and save energy.
Buy a programmable thermostat
Install a programmable thermostat to manage the temperature in your home efficiently. Set lower temperatures when you're out of your home or asleep and increase them only when required.
For even more savings, buy a smart thermostat that can detect when you are in or out and change the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these devices or for smart thermostat installation in Port St. Lucie, get a hold of the skilled technicians at Custom Air Systems Inc. We can tell you how smart thermostats can benefit your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.
H3: Plan 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 exchange air filters routinely to ensure proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Port St. Lucie, call the team at Custom Air Systems Inc. Our trained technicians will get your system in peak condition!
Seal air leaks
Find and seal any air leaks in your home. Frequent spots for leaks including windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing these gaps prevents warm air from seeping out, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfy temperature.
Update your HVAC system
If your furnace is old, inefficient or just isn’t able to keep your home as warm as you need, furnace replacement may be an ideal long-term option. Contemporary furnaces are highly efficient, which can considerably reduce your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re interested in investing in a new heating system, call the pros at Custom Air Systems Inc. We’re known for knowledgeable furnace installation in Port St. Lucie and will help you choose a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 772-247-2283 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!