As winter draws near and the temperature dips, finding ways to save money on your energy bills becomes a top priority. One of the most effective strategies is changing your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without losing comfort.
With several options and techniques available, you can lower 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 in 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 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 comfy, but also low enough to be energy efficient.
Effective Temperature Settings While You Going to Be Out of Your Home
The DOE reports you can save as much as 10% on your home heating costs by lowering your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By using this method, you’re not wasting 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 put your thermostat as low as 50 degrees. That 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, raise the temperature bit by bit. That will keep your heating system from running too hard, which could be the case if you raise the temperature on your thermostat very high right away.
Recommended Thermostat Settings While You Are Sleeping
The great news 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 optimal temperature range for good sleep.
Other Tactics 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 reduce drafts, keep warm air inside and protect against heat loss. This will decrease the workload on your heating equipment and save energy.
Set up a programmable thermostat
Install a programmable thermostat to control the temperature in your home effectively. Set lower temperatures when you're not home or asleep and increase them only when needed.
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 products or for smart thermostat installation in Savage, get a hold of the skilled technicians at Gopher Heating and Air Conditioning. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can help your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.
H3: Arrange furnace maintenance:
Schedule regular maintenance for your HVAC system. A well-maintained furnace operates more efficiently, decreasing energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters regularly to ensure proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Savage, call the team at Gopher Heating and Air Conditioning. Our trained technicians will get your system in peak condition!
Seal air leaks
Detect and close off any air leaks in your home. Typical places for leaks including windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing these gaps blocks 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 HVAC equipment is old, inefficient or just isn’t able to keep your home as warm as you desire, furnace replacement may be a smart long-term solution. Today’s furnaces are highly efficient, which can considerably decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re considering upgrading to a new heating system, phone the professionals at Gopher Heating and Air Conditioning. We’re noted for skilled furnace installation in Savage and will help you select a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 952-373-0377 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!
