As winter draws near and the temperature falls, finding ways to save money on your heating bills becomes a top priority. One of the best tips is changing your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without compromising comfort.
With many options and techniques available, you can reduce your heating costs while still making your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Irrespective of 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 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 outside temperature, the more money you will save on your monthly energy costs.
Ideal Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home
When you’re going to be home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recommends 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 Not at Home
The DOE reports you can save as much as 10% on your energy costs by decreasing 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.
Experts say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone an extended period of time, you can put 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 get back to your house, increase the temperature little by little. That will keep your heating system from running too hard, which could be the case if you raise the temperature on your thermostat very high right away.
Cost-Efficient Thermostat Settings While You Are Sleeping
The great 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 good sleep.
Other Methods to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter
There are a number of other ways you can use to consume less energy this winter while you heat your home. They include:
Examine your insulation levels
Insulate doors, windows and walls to cut down on drafts, keep warm air inside and counter heat loss. This will minimize the workload on your heating equipment and save energy.
Buy a programmable thermostat
Purchase a programmable thermostat to manage the temperature in your home effectively. Set lower temperatures when you're out of your home or asleep and increase them only when required.
For even more savings, purchase a smart thermostat that can perceive when you are in or out and adjust the temperature correctly. To learn more about these devices or for smart thermostat installation in Central Point, get a hold of the skilled technicians at Titan Heating & Air Conditioning. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can help your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.
H3: Plan furnace maintenance:
Plan to hire someone to do regular maintenance for your heating and cooling system. A well-maintained furnace runs more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and probably avoiding costly repairs. Clean or replace air filters regularly to make sure your unit has proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Central Point, call the team at Titan Heating & Air Conditioning. We will get your system in excellent working order!
Seal air leaks
Detect and fill in any air leaks in your home. Typical sites for leaks tend to be windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps stops warm air from leaking out of your home, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a sufficient temperature.
Improve your HVAC system
If your HVAC equipment 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 decision. Contemporary furnaces are very efficient, which can considerably decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re considering investing in a new heating system, call the specialists at Titan Heating & Air Conditioning. We’re recognized for knowledgeable furnace installation in Central Point and will help you select a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 541-286-6617 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!