As winter approaches and the temperature falls, finding ways to save money on your heating bills becomes a top priority. One of the simplest techniques is changing your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without compromising comfort.
With several options and techniques available, homeowners 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 several ways to find the appropriate balance between warmth and savings.
As a whole, 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.
Ideal Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home
When you’re at 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 lots of families cozy, but also low enough to be energy efficient.
Effective Temperature Settings While You Are Away
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. That way, you’re not wasting money heating your home while you’re not there.
Industry professionals say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone an extended 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 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 it could 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 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 quality sleep.
Additional Techniques to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter
There are several 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 decrease the pressure on your furnace and save energy.
Buy a programmable thermostat
Put in a programmable thermostat to control the temperature in your home efficiently. Set lower temperatures when you're not home or asleep and increase them only when needed.
For even more savings, purchase a smart thermostat that can sense when you are in or out and modify the temperature appropriately. To learn more about these gadgets or for smart thermostat installation in Redmond, consult with the skilled technicians at Just Komfort Heating & Cooling. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can help your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.
H3: Schedule furnace maintenance:
Schedule regular maintenance for your heating and cooling system. A well-maintained furnace functions more efficiently, decreasing energy consumption and probably avoiding costly repairs. Clean or replace air filters on a regular basis to ensure proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Redmond, call the team at Just Komfort Heating & Cooling. Our trained technicians will get your system in peak condition!
Seal air leaks
Detect and seal any air leaks in your home. Typical spots 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 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 desire, furnace replacement may be an ideal long-term decision. Modern day furnaces are very efficient, which can notably lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re thinking about getting a new heating system, phone the pros at Just Komfort Heating & Cooling. We’re noted for experienced furnace installation in Redmond and will help you choose a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 458-206-0216 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!