As winter approaches and the temperature drops, 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 compromising comfort.
With many options and techniques available, it's possible to lower your heating costs while still making your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Regardless of whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are several ways to find the appropriate balance between warmth and savings.
As a whole, a good guideline is the lower the temperature in 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 heating.
Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home
When you’re at 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 most families comfy, but also low enough to be energy efficient.
Effective Temperature Settings While You Not at Home
The DOE reports you can save up to 10% on your heating costs by decreasing 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.
Industry professionals say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone a long period of time, you can put 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 while you are away.
When you get back to your house, raise the temperature slowly. That will keep your heating system from working too hard, which could happen if you raise the temperature on your thermostat very high right away.
Suggested Thermostat Settings While You Are Asleep
The great news about sleep-time thermostat settings in the winter is that people generally sleep well when it’s a little colder. The National Sleep Foundation reports somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the optimal temperature range for quality sleep.
Other Techniques to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter
There are a number of other techniques 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 reduce drafts, keep warm air inside and prevent heat loss. This will decrease the pressure on your HVAC system and save energy.
Install a programmable thermostat
Put in a programmable thermostat to control the temperature in your home effortlessly. Set lower temperatures when you're out of your home or asleep and increase them only when necessary.
For even more savings, set up a smart thermostat that can perceive when you are in or out and adjust the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these gadgets or for smart thermostat installation in Belton, contact the skilled technicians at Myers Furnace Company. We can tell you how smart thermostats can benefit your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.
H3: Schedule furnace maintenance:
Plan to hire someone to do regular maintenance for your heating and cooling system. A well-maintained heating system runs more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters on a regular basis to assure proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Belton, call the team at Myers Furnace Company. We will get your system in excellent working order!
Seal air leaks
Locate and seal any air leaks in your home. Frequent sites for leaks including windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Plugging these gaps stops warm air from seeping out, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a sufficient 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 desire, furnace replacement may be a smart long-term option. Today’s furnaces are highly efficient, which can notably decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re contemplating investing in a new heating system, phone the professionals at Myers Furnace Company. We’re known for skilled furnace installation in Belton and will help you find a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 816-249-1619 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!