As winter gets closer and the temperature drops, finding ways to save money on your power bills becomes a top priority. One of the most effective strategies is changing your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without compromising comfort.
With several options and techniques available, you can decrease your heating costs while still keeping 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.
As a whole, a good rule 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 HVAC bills.
Best 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 most 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 home heating costs by decreasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By doing this, you’re not throwing away 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 adjust your thermostat as low as 50 degrees. That 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, increase the temperature bit by bit. That will keep your heating system from running too hard, which could happen 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 get good sleep when it’s a little colder. The National Sleep Foundation suggests somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the best temperature range for good sleep.
More 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:
Examine your insulation levels
Insulate doors, windows and walls to reduce drafts, keep warm air inside and protect against heat loss. This will decrease the workload on your furnace and save energy.
Buy a programmable thermostat
Install a programmable thermostat to regulate the temperature in your home efficiently. Set lower temperatures when you're away or asleep and increase them only when required.
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 gadgets or for smart thermostat installation in Mission Viejo, consult with the skilled technicians at 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning. We can provide you with information about 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 functions more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters routinely to make sure your unit has proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Mission Viejo, call the team at 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning. Our trained technicians will get your system in peak condition!
Seal air leaks
Detect and fill in any air leaks in your home. Frequent sites for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing these gaps prevents warm air from seeping out, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a cozy temperature.
Update 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 smart long-term decision. Today’s furnaces are extremely efficient, which can considerably decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re contemplating upgrading to a new heating system, call the specialists at 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning. We’re recognized for skilled furnace installation in Mission Viejo and will help you select a unit that’s well suited for your home! Call 949-204-0859 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!