As winter approaches and the temperature dips, finding ways to save money on your power bills becomes a top priority. One of the simplest ways is adjusting your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without losing comfort.
With numerous options and techniques available, you can decrease your heating costs while still keeping your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are many ways to find the ideal balance between warmth and savings.
Overall, a good rule of thumb 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.
Money-Saving 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 most families comfy, but also low enough to be energy efficient.
Effective Temperature Settings While You Going to Be Out of Your Home
The DOE reports you can save approximately 10% on your energy costs by decreasing 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. Doing this will keep your furnace running so you don’t have any frozen or burst pipes while you are away.
When you get back to your house, increase the temperature bit by bit. That will keep your heating system from running too hard, which it could if you raise the temperature on your thermostat quite high right away.
Suggested Thermostat Settings While You Are Asleep
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 suggests somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the ideal temperature range for good sleep.
More Ways to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter
There are several other approaches you can use to consume less energy this winter while you heat your home. They include:
Check your insulation levels
Insulate doors, windows and walls to reduce drafts, keep warm air inside and prevent heat loss. This will minimize the workload on your HVAC system and save energy.
Set up a programmable thermostat
Purchase 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 required.
For even more savings, buy a smart thermostat that can sense when you are in or out and adjust the temperature correctly. To learn more about these gadgets or for smart thermostat installation in Port St. Lucie, get a hold of the skilled technicians at Custom Air Systems Inc. We can explain how smart thermostats can benefit your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.
H3: Arrange furnace maintenance:
Plan regular maintenance for your HVAC system. A well-maintained heating system runs more efficiently, decreasing energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters on a regular basis to assure 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
Detect and fill in any air leaks in your home. Frequent places for leaks including windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing these gaps prevents warm air from leaking out of your home, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a cozy temperature.
Update your HVAC system
If your heating system is old, inefficient or just isn’t able to keep your home as warm as you want, furnace replacement may be a smart long-term option. Modern furnaces are highly efficient, which can notably decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re considering investing in a new heating system, contact the specialists at Custom Air Systems Inc. We’re noted for knowledgeable furnace installation in Port St. Lucie and will help you find a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 772-247-2283 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!