As winter gets closer and the temperature falls, finding ways to save money on your energy bills becomes a top priority. One of the simplest techniques is adjusting your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without sacrificing comfort.
With numerous options and techniques available, homeowners can decrease your heating costs while still making 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 appropriate balance between warmth and savings.
Overall, a good rule of thumb is the lower the temperature within 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 heating.
Money-Saving Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home
When you’re around your home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) suggests dialing your thermostat to between 68°F and 70°F in the winter. That’s warm enough to keep most families comfortable, but also low enough to be energy efficient.
Effective Temperature Settings While You Not at Home
The DOE reports you can save as much as 10% on your heating costs by turning down your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. This way, 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 an extended 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 cause damage to your home while you're gone.
When you return to your home, turn up the temperature little by little. That will keep your heating system from running too hard, which it could if you raise the temperature on your thermostat really high right away.
Recommended Thermostat Settings While You Are Asleep
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 suggests somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the optimal temperature range for great sleep.
Additional Methods 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 cut down on drafts, keep warm air inside and avoid heat loss. This will limit the pressure on your furnace and save energy.
Install a programmable thermostat
Install a programmable thermostat to manage the temperature in your home effectively. Set lower temperatures when you're away or asleep and increase them only when needed.
For even more savings, set up a smart thermostat that can detect when you are in or out and change the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these gadgets or for smart thermostat installation in Greensburg, consult with the skilled technicians at Wallpe Heating & Cooling. We can explain how smart thermostats can benefit your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.
H3: Schedule furnace maintenance:
Plan regular maintenance for your heating and cooling system. A well-maintained heating system functions more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters regularly to make sure your unit has proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Greensburg, call the team at Wallpe Heating & Cooling. Our trained technicians will get your system in peak condition!
Seal air leaks
Locate and fill in any air leaks in your home. Frequent places for leaks are 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 sufficient 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 an ideal long-term solution. Modern day furnaces are highly efficient, which can dramatically reduce your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re contemplating getting a new heating system, call the pros at Wallpe Heating & Cooling. We’re recognized for experienced furnace installation in Greensburg and will help you select a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 812-663-7252 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!