As winter approaches and the temperature drops, finding ways to save money on your heating bills becomes a top priority. One of the simplest ways is changing your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without losing comfort.
With many options and techniques available, homeowners can reduce your heating costs while still keeping your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are many ways to find the appropriate balance between warmth and savings.
In general, 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 outside temperature, the more money you will save on your HVAC bills.
Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home
When you’re at 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 lots of families comfortable, but also low enough to be energy efficient.
Effective Temperature Settings While You Are Away
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 needlessly spending money heating your home while you’re not there.
Authorities 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. That will keep your furnace running so you don’t have any frozen or burst pipes while you are away.
When you arrive home, turn up the temperature bit by bit. That will keep your heating system from performing too hard, which it could if you raise the temperature on your thermostat quite high right away.
Recommended Thermostat Settings While You Are Asleep
The good news about sleep-time thermostat settings in the winter is that people sleep better when it’s a little colder. The National Sleep Foundation says somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the optimal temperature range for great sleep.
More Methods to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter
There are many other techniques 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 minimize drafts, keep warm air inside and avoid heat loss. This will limit the stress on your furnace and save energy.
Buy a programmable thermostat
Install a programmable thermostat to control the temperature in your home conveniently. 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 adjust the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these systems or for smart thermostat installation in Yukon, consult with the skilled technicians at Comfort Concepts Heating & Air Conditioning. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can benefit your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.
H3: Schedule furnace maintenance:
Plan to hire someone to do regular maintenance for your HVAC system. A well-maintained system operates more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters on a regular basis to make sure your unit has proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Yukon, call the team at Comfort Concepts Heating & Air Conditioning. Our trained technicians will get your system in top shape!
Seal air leaks
Detect and fill in any air leaks in your home. Frequent spots for leaks including windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing these gaps stops warm air from escaping, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfy temperature.
Upgrade your HVAC system
If your HVAC equipment is old, inefficient or just isn’t able to keep your home as warm as you need, furnace replacement may be a good long-term decision. Today’s furnaces are extremely efficient, which can dramatically decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re considering upgrading to a new heating system, phone the pros at Comfort Concepts Heating & Air Conditioning. We’re known for experienced furnace installation in Yukon and will help you pick a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 405-494-7444 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!