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 ways is changing your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without sacrificing comfort.
With multiple options and techniques available, you can reduce 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 many ways to find the appropriate balance between warmth and savings.
As a whole, a good rule 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 heating.
Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home
When you’re around your 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 most families comfy, 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 energy 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.
Experts say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone a long period of time, you can set 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 cause damage to your home while you're gone.
When you get back to your house, raise the temperature slowly. 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 great news about sleep-time thermostat settings in the winter is that people generally sleep well when it’s a little colder. The National Sleep Foundation states somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the ideal temperature range for quality 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:
Examine your insulation levels
Insulate doors, windows and walls to reduce drafts, keep warm air inside and protect against heat loss. This will decrease the pressure on your HVAC system and save energy.
Set up a programmable thermostat
Put in a programmable thermostat to manage the temperature in your home effortlessly. Set lower temperatures when you're not home or asleep and increase them only when required.
For even more savings, purchase a smart thermostat that can sense when you are in or out and modify the temperature appropriately. To learn more about these products or for smart thermostat installation in Mankato area, get a hold of the skilled technicians at Northern Comfort Inc. We can explain how smart thermostats can improve 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 furnace runs more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and probably avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters regularly to ensure proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Mankato area, call the team at Northern Comfort Inc. Our specialists will get your system in peak condition!
Seal air leaks
Find and fill in any air leaks in your home. Common spots for leaks including windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing these gaps blocks warm air from escaping, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfy temperature.
Update your HVAC system
If your heating system is old, inefficient or just isn’t able to keep your home as warm as you want, furnace replacement may be a smart long-term solution. Modern day furnaces are very efficient, which can significantly decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re interested in investing in a new heating system, phone the professionals at Northern Comfort Inc. We’re recognized for knowledgeable furnace installation in Mankato area and will help you choose a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 507-387-6596 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!
