As winter approaches and the temperature drops, finding ways to save money on your energy bills becomes a top priority. One of the most effective techniques is adjusting your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without compromising comfort.
With several options and techniques available, homeowners can lower your heating costs while still keeping your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are plenty of ways to find the perfect balance between warmth and savings.
Overall, a good rule of thumb is the lower the temperature in 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 putting your thermostat to between 68°F and 70°F in the winter. That’s warm enough to keep lots of families comfortable, but also low enough to be energy efficient.
Effective Temperature Settings While You Not at Home
The DOE states you can save approximately 10% on your HVAC 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.
Authorities say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone an extended 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 waiting for you when you get home.
When you arrive home, raise the temperature slowly. That will keep your heating system from running too hard, which it could if you raise the temperature on your thermostat very high right away.
Suggested Thermostat Settings While You Are in Bed for The Night
The nice thing about sleep-time thermostat settings in the winter is that people sleep better when it’s a little colder. The National Sleep Foundation states somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the best temperature range for great sleep.
More Techniques to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter
There are many other approaches 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 minimize drafts, keep warm air inside and protect against heat loss. This will decrease the stress on your furnace and save energy.
Buy a programmable thermostat
Install a programmable thermostat to control the temperature in your home effectively. Set lower temperatures when you're away or asleep and increase them only when necessary.
For even more savings, set up a smart thermostat that can sense when you are in or out and change the temperature correctly. To learn more about these devices or for smart thermostat installation in Redmond, get a hold of the skilled technicians at Just Komfort Heating & Cooling. We can tell you how smart thermostats can improve your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.
H3: Plan furnace maintenance:
Plan regular maintenance for your heating system. A well-maintained system operates more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters on a regular basis to ensure proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Redmond, call the team at Just Komfort Heating & Cooling. 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 tend to be windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing these gaps blocks warm air from leaking out of your home, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfortable temperature.
Upgrade your HVAC system
If your HVAC equipment 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 option. Modern furnaces are extremely efficient, which can notably lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re contemplating getting a new heating system, contact 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 perfect for your home! Call 458-206-0216 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!