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As winter draws near and the temperature drops, finding ways to save money on your energy bills becomes a top priority. One of the best strategies is changing your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without sacrificing comfort.
With many options and techniques available, homeowners can lower your heating costs while still trying to keep 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 ideal 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 outdoor temperature, the more money you will save on your monthly energy costs.
Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home
When you’re going to be 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 Are Away
The DOE estimates you can save approximately 10% on your energy 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 a prolonged period of time, you can put 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 while you are away.
When you return to your home, turn up the temperature bit by bit. That will keep your heating system from performing too hard, which could happen if you raise the temperature on your thermostat very 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 reports somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the optimal temperature range for great sleep.
Additional Ways to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter
There are several other approaches you can use 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 counter heat loss. This will decrease the stress on your HVAC system 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 not home or asleep and increase them only when needed.
For even more savings, install 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 Norton, consult with the skilled technicians at HCE Systems. 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 functions more efficiently, decreasing energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or replace air filters routinely to ensure proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Norton, call the team at HCE Systems. Our specialists will get your system in excellent working order!
Seal air leaks
Locate and close off any air leaks in your home. Common spots for leaks including windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing these gaps blocks warm air from seeping out, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a sufficient temperature.
Improve your HVAC system
If your furnace is old, inefficient or just isn’t able to keep your home as warm as you desire, furnace replacement may be a good long-term solution. Modern day furnaces are very efficient, which can notably decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re contemplating investing in a new heating system, phone the pros at HCE Systems. We’re recognized for knowledgeable furnace installation in Norton and will help you find a unit that’s well suited for your home! Call 276-302-0076 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!