As winter approaches and the temperature dips, finding ways to save money on your energy bills becomes a top priority. One of the most effective ways is adjusting your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without losing comfort.
With multiple 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 plenty of ways to find the ideal balance between warmth and savings.
In general, 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 HVAC bills.
Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home
When you’re going to be home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recommends dialing your thermostat to between 68°F and 70°F in the winter. That’s warm enough to keep most families cozy, 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 as much as 10% on your home heating costs by decreasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By doing this, 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 an extended period of time, you can adjust your thermostat as low as 50 degrees. That will keep your furnace running so you don’t have any frozen or burst pipes while you are away.
When you arrive home, raise the temperature slowly. That will keep your heating system from working too hard, which it could if you raise the temperature on your thermostat quite high right away.
Recommended Thermostat Settings While You Are Sleeping
The great news 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 optimal temperature range for good sleep.
Other Tactics to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter
There are a number of 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 minimize drafts, keep warm air inside and protect against heat loss. This will decrease the pressure on your heating equipment and save energy.
Buy a programmable thermostat
Purchase 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, purchase a smart thermostat that can perceive when you are in or out and adjust the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these devices or for smart thermostat installation in Mount Pleasant, consult with the skilled technicians at Olde Towne Heating & Air. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can help 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 furnace operates more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters on a regular basis to make sure your unit has proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Mount Pleasant, call the team at Olde Towne Heating & Air. Our trained technicians will get your system in peak condition!
Seal air leaks
Find and close off any air leaks in your home. Typical places for leaks including windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing these gaps stops warm air from seeping out, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a cozy temperature.
Upgrade 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 a good long-term solution. Today’s furnaces are very efficient, which can dramatically lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re interested in upgrading to a new heating system, phone the specialists at Olde Towne Heating & Air. We’re noted for skilled furnace installation in Mount Pleasant and will help you select a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 843-485-0967 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!