As winter draws near and the temperature dips, finding ways to save money on your power bills becomes a top priority. One of the most effective techniques is modifying your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without losing comfort.
With multiple options and techniques available, you can lower your heating costs while still keeping your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are several ways to find the ideal balance between warmth and savings.
In general, a good guideline 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 HVAC bills.
Best 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 most families comfortable, but also low enough to be energy efficient.
Effective Temperature Settings While You Not at Home
The DOE reports you can save up to 10% on your home heating costs by lowering your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. That way, you’re not wasting 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 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 arrive home, increase the temperature little by little. That will keep your heating system from performing too hard, which could be the case if you raise the temperature on your thermostat really high right away.
Suggested Thermostat Settings While You Are Asleep
The nice thing 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 good sleep.
Other Ways 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:
Examine 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 heating equipment and save energy.
Set up a programmable thermostat
Install a programmable thermostat to control the temperature in your home effortlessly. Set lower temperatures when you're out of your home or asleep and increase them only when required.
For even more savings, set up a smart thermostat that can perceive when you are in or out and modify the temperature correctly. To learn more about these products or for smart thermostat installation in Neptune City, contact the skilled technicians at Aggressive Mechanical. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can benefit your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.
H3: Plan furnace maintenance:
Plan regular maintenance for your heating and cooling system. A well-maintained furnace functions more efficiently, decreasing energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters on a regular basis to make sure your unit has proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Neptune City, call the team at Aggressive Mechanical. Our specialists will get your system in peak condition!
Seal air leaks
Find and fill in any air leaks in your home. Frequent places for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Plugging these gaps blocks warm air from seeping out, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfortable temperature.
Upgrade your HVAC system
If your heating system is old, inefficient or just isn’t able to keep your home as warm as you desire, furnace replacement may be a smart long-term decision. Modern furnaces are very efficient, which can dramatically lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re interested in getting a new heating system, phone the pros at Aggressive Mechanical. We’re recognized for skilled furnace installation in Neptune City and will help you select a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 732-806-5536 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!