As winter draws near and the temperature falls, finding ways to save money on your power bills becomes a top priority. One of the most effective techniques is adjusting your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without losing comfort.
With many options and techniques available, it's possible to lower 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 many 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 outdoor temperature, the more money you will save on your HVAC bills.
Money-Saving Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home
When you’re going to be home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) advises setting your thermostat to between 68°F and 70°F in the winter. That’s warm enough to keep most families comfy, but also low enough to be energy efficient.
Effective Temperature Settings While You Are Away
The DOE states you can save approximately 10% on your HVAC costs by lowering your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. This way, you’re not throwing away money heating your home while you’re not there.
Experts say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone a long period of time, you can put 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, turn up the temperature gradually. That will keep your heating system from working too hard, which could happen if you raise the temperature on your thermostat really high right away.
Cost-Efficient Thermostat Settings While You Are Asleep
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.
Additional Ways to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter
There are many 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 reduce drafts, keep warm air inside and avoid heat loss. This will decrease the workload on your heating equipment and save energy.
Install a programmable thermostat
Purchase 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 necessary.
For even more savings, buy a smart thermostat that can detect when you are in or out and modify the temperature correctly. To learn more about these gadgets or for smart thermostat installation in Edmond, get a hold of the skilled technicians at Prudhom Mechanical. We can explain how smart thermostats can benefit your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.
H3: Schedule furnace maintenance:
Schedule regular maintenance for your heating and cooling system. A well-maintained system functions more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters on a regular basis to ensure proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Edmond, call the team at Prudhom Mechanical. We will get your system in excellent working order!
Seal air leaks
Find and seal any air leaks in your home. Frequent spots for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps prevents warm air from leaking out of your home, 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. Modern furnaces are extremely efficient, which can notably reduce your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re interested in upgrading to a new heating system, call the specialists at Prudhom Mechanical. We’re recognized for knowledgeable furnace installation in Edmond and will help you choose a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 405-888-8606 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!