As winter gets closer and the temperature dips, finding ways to save money on your heating 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 reduce your heating costs while still keeping your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Regardless of whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are plenty of ways to find the appropriate balance between warmth and savings.
Overall, a good rule is the lower the temperature within 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.
Ideal Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home
When you’re going to be home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) advises dialing your thermostat to between 68°F and 70°F in the winter. That’s warm enough to keep the majority of families comfy, but also low enough to be energy efficient.
Effective Temperature Settings While You Not at Home
The DOE reports 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.
Industry professionals say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone an extended period of time, you can put your thermostat as low as 50 degrees. That will keep your furnace running so you don’t have any frozen or burst pipes cause damage to your home while you're gone.
When you arrive home, increase the temperature little by little. 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.
Suggested Thermostat Settings While You Are Sleeping
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 states somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the optimal temperature range for quality sleep.
Additional Methods to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter
There are several other ways you can employ so you consume less energy this winter while you heat your home. They include:
Check your insulation levels
Insulate doors, windows and walls to reduce drafts, keep warm air inside and prevent heat loss. This will decrease the pressure on your HVAC system and save energy.
Buy a programmable thermostat
Put in 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 necessary.
For even more savings, install a smart thermostat that can sense when you are in or out and modify the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these gadgets or for smart thermostat installation in Morgantown, get a hold of the skilled technicians at Mountain Air. We can tell you how smart thermostats can benefit your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.
H3: Schedule furnace maintenance:
Plan regular maintenance for your HVAC system. A well-maintained system functions more efficiently, decreasing energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters regularly to ensure proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Morgantown, call the team at Mountain Air. Our specialists will get your system in excellent working order!
Seal air leaks
Find and seal any air leaks in your home. Frequent places for leaks tend to be 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.
Improve your HVAC system
If your HVAC equipment is old, inefficient or just isn’t able to keep your home as warm as you want, furnace replacement may be a smart long-term option. Contemporary furnaces are very efficient, which can significantly decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re thinking about upgrading to a new heating system, contact the specialists at Mountain Air. We’re noted for knowledgeable furnace installation in Morgantown and will help you pick a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 304-413-1287 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!