As winter draws near and the temperature dips, finding ways to save money on your energy bills becomes a top priority. One of the simplest ways is changing your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without losing comfort.
With many options and techniques available, homeowners can decrease your heating costs while still trying to keep your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are several ways to find the perfect balance between warmth and savings.
Overall, 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 outside temperature, the more money you will save on your monthly energy costs.
Money-Saving Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home
When you’re going to be home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recommends putting 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 Not at Home
The DOE states you can save up to 10% on your heating costs by turning down your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By using this method, you’re not needlessly spending money heating your home while you’re not there.
Authorities say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone a prolonged period of time, you can adjust your thermostat as low as 50 degrees. Doing this 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 running too hard, which could happen if you raise the temperature on your thermostat quite high right away.
Suggested Thermostat Settings While You Are Sleeping
The good news about sleep-time thermostat settings in the winter is that people get good sleep when it’s a little colder. The National Sleep Foundation reports somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the optimal temperature range for quality sleep.
More Ways to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter
There are many other techniques you can utilize to consume less energy this winter while you heat your home. They include:
Check your insulation levels
Insulate doors, windows and walls to minimize drafts, keep warm air inside and counter heat loss. This will decrease the stress on your HVAC system and save energy.
Set up a programmable thermostat
Put in a programmable thermostat to regulate the temperature in your home conveniently. Set lower temperatures when you're not home or asleep and increase them only when necessary.
For even more savings, buy a smart thermostat that can perceive when you are in or out and change the temperature appropriately. To learn more about these systems or for smart thermostat installation in Brookfield, contact the skilled technicians at Central Air LLC. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can help your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.
H3: Arrange furnace maintenance:
Plan regular maintenance for your HVAC system. A well-maintained system operates 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 Brookfield, call the team at Central Air LLC. Our trained technicians will get your system in excellent working order!
Seal air leaks
Locate and fill in any air leaks in your home. Common sites for leaks including windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps blocks warm air from seeping out, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a cozy 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 desire, furnace replacement may be an ideal long-term option. Contemporary furnaces are extremely efficient, which can notably reduce your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re thinking about investing in a new heating system, phone the professionals at Central Air LLC. We’re noted for skilled furnace installation in Brookfield and will help you choose a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 203-357-5913 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!