
As winter gets closer and the temperature drops, finding ways to save money on your heating bills becomes a top priority. One of the simplest strategies is changing your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without compromising comfort.
With multiple options and techniques available, it's possible to reduce your heating costs while still trying to keep 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.
Overall, a good guideline 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 heating.
Money-Saving Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home
When you’re going to be home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) suggests setting your thermostat to between 68°F and 70°F in the winter. That’s warm enough to keep the majority of families cozy, but also low enough to be energy efficient.
Effective Temperature Settings While You Are Away
The DOE estimates you can save approximately 10% on your heating costs by lowering 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 adjust 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 return to your home, turn up 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.
Recommended Thermostat Settings While You Are in Bed for The Night
The good 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 best temperature range for good sleep.
Other Tactics to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter
There are a number of other approaches you can employ so you consume less energy this winter while you heat your home. They include:
Evaluate your insulation levels
Insulate doors, windows and walls to cut down on drafts, keep warm air inside and protect against heat loss. This will decrease the pressure on your heating equipment and save energy.
Install a programmable thermostat
Purchase a programmable thermostat to control the temperature in your home efficiently. Set lower temperatures when you're away or asleep and increase them only when needed.
For even more savings, purchase a smart thermostat that can detect when you are in or out and adjust the temperature appropriately. To learn more about these devices or for smart thermostat installation in Brookfield, get a hold of the skilled technicians at Central Air LLC. We can tell you how smart thermostats can improve your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.
H3: Arrange furnace maintenance:
Plan to hire someone to do regular maintenance for your HVAC system. A well-maintained heating system operates 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 Brookfield, call the team at Central Air LLC. Our specialists will get your system in peak condition!
Seal air leaks
Find and fill in any air leaks in your home. Common spots for leaks including windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps stops warm air from seeping out, 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 need, furnace replacement may be a good long-term option. Modern furnaces are highly efficient, which can significantly reduce your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re contemplating upgrading to a new heating system, call the professionals at Central Air LLC. We’re recognized for experienced furnace installation in Brookfield and will help you find a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 203-403-6174 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!