As winter approaches and the temperature drops, 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 many 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.
Overall, a good guideline is the lower the temperature inside your home and the less difference there is between the air inside your home and the exterior temperature, the more money you will save on your monthly energy costs.
Ideal Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home
When you’re around your home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) advises putting 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 heating costs by decreasing 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.
Industry professionals say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone an extended period of time, you can set your thermostat as low as 50 degrees. Doing this will keep your furnace running so you don’t have any frozen or burst pipes while you are away.
When you get back to your house, increase the temperature slowly. That will keep your heating system from performing too hard, which it could if you raise the temperature on your thermostat very high right away.
Recommended Thermostat Settings While You Are Sleeping
The good 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 suggests somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the optimal temperature range for quality sleep.
Other Methods to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter
There are many other ways you can utilize to consume less energy this winter while you heat your home. They include:
Evaluate your insulation levels
Insulate doors, windows and walls to minimize drafts, keep warm air inside and prevent heat loss. This will minimize the stress on your HVAC system and save energy.
Set up a programmable thermostat
Put in a programmable thermostat to control the temperature in your home efficiently. Set lower temperatures when you're out of your home or asleep and increase them only when necessary.
For even more savings, install a smart thermostat that can perceive when you are in or out and change the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these gadgets or for smart thermostat installation in Highlands Ranch, consult with the skilled technicians at PS Cool Heat. 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 HVAC system. A well-maintained system operates more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters routinely to assure proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Highlands Ranch, call the team at PS Cool Heat. Our specialists will get your system in top shape!
Seal air leaks
Locate and close off any air leaks in your home. Frequent spots for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing these gaps blocks 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 HVAC equipment 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 considering investing in a new heating system, contact the pros at PS Cool Heat. We’re recognized for experienced furnace installation in Highlands Ranch and will help you select a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 720-613-2210 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!