As winter gets closer and the temperature drops, finding ways to save money on your power bills becomes a top priority. One of the simplest strategies is adjusting your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without compromising comfort.
With multiple options and techniques available, it's possible to decrease 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 perfect balance between warmth and savings.
In general, a good rule of thumb 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 at home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) suggests setting your thermostat to between 68°F and 70°F in the winter. That’s warm enough to keep the majority of families cozy, 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 home heating costs by turning down your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By doing this, 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. This will be warm enough it will keep your furnace running so you don’t have any frozen or burst pipes waiting for you when you get home.
When you get back to your house, increase 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 very high right away.
Suggested Thermostat Settings While You Are in Bed for The Night
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 states somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the ideal temperature range for great sleep.
Additional Ways to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter
There are several other approaches 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 prevent heat loss. This will decrease the stress on your heating equipment and save energy.
Buy a programmable thermostat
Put in a programmable thermostat to regulate 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, buy a smart thermostat that can detect when you are in or out and modify the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these gadgets or for smart thermostat installation in Delray Beach, consult with the skilled technicians at Kilbourne Heating & AC. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can benefit your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.
H3: Arrange furnace maintenance:
Plan to hire someone to do regular maintenance for your heating and cooling system. A well-maintained heating system runs more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters routinely to ensure proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Delray Beach, call the team at Kilbourne Heating & AC. We will get your system in excellent working order!
Seal air leaks
Find and fill in any air leaks in your home. Common spots for leaks including windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Plugging these gaps prevents 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 want, furnace replacement may be an ideal long-term option. Modern furnaces are extremely efficient, which can notably decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re contemplating upgrading to a new heating system, call the professionals at Kilbourne Heating & AC. We’re noted for knowledgeable furnace installation in Delray Beach and will help you choose a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 561-287-7071 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!