
As winter approaches and the temperature falls, finding ways to save money on your heating bills becomes a top priority. One of the best tips is adjusting your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without compromising comfort.
With numerous options and techniques available, you can decrease your heating costs while still making your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are many ways to find the ideal 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 HVAC bills.
Money-Saving Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home
When you’re at 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 the majority of families comfortable, 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 decreasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. That way, you’re not wasting money heating your home while you’re not there.
Industry professionals say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone a long 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 waiting for you when you get home.
When you arrive home, increase the temperature slowly. That will keep your heating system from working too hard, which could happen if you raise the temperature on your thermostat quite high right away.
Cost-Efficient Thermostat Settings While You Are Asleep
The great 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 states somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the ideal temperature range for good sleep.
Other Tactics to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter
There are many other approaches you can employ so you 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 counter heat loss. This will limit the pressure on your HVAC system and save energy.
Install a programmable thermostat
Install a programmable thermostat to manage the temperature in your home efficiently. Set lower temperatures when you're out of your home or asleep and increase them only when required.
For even more savings, buy a smart thermostat that can sense when you are in or out and adjust the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these products or for smart thermostat installation in Reinholds, contact the skilled technicians at County Line Mechanical LLC. We can explain how smart thermostats can improve your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.
H3: Plan 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 routinely to make sure your unit has proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Reinholds, call the team at County Line Mechanical LLC. We will get your system in excellent working order!
Seal air leaks
Find and fill in any air leaks in your home. Typical sites for leaks tend to be windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing these gaps prevents warm air from escaping, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfortable 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 option. Modern day furnaces are highly efficient, which can significantly lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re contemplating investing in a new heating system, call the pros at County Line Mechanical LLC. We’re known for knowledgeable furnace installation in Reinholds and will help you select a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 717-216-0846 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!