As winter draws near and the temperature dips, finding ways to save money on your energy bills becomes a top priority. One of the best strategies is modifying your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without compromising comfort.
With many options and techniques available, you can reduce your heating costs while still keeping your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are plenty of ways to find the perfect balance between warmth and savings.
As a whole, 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.
Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home
When you’re going to be home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) suggests putting 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 Going to Be Out of Your Home
The DOE states you can save as much as 10% on your heating costs by turning down your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By using this method, you’re not throwing away 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. That 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, turn up the temperature slowly. That will keep your heating system from running too hard, which it could if you raise the temperature on your thermostat very high right away.
Cost-Efficient Thermostat Settings While You Are in Bed for The Night
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 suggests somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the ideal temperature range for quality sleep.
More 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 reduce drafts, keep warm air inside and protect against heat loss. This will limit the stress on your heating equipment and save energy.
Install a programmable thermostat
Install a programmable thermostat to control the temperature in your home effectively. Set lower temperatures when you're away or asleep and increase them only when needed.
For even more savings, buy a smart thermostat that can detect when you are in or out and adjust the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these devices or for smart thermostat installation in Bedford, get a hold of the skilled technicians at JBR Mechanical. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can help your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.
H3: Plan furnace maintenance:
Plan regular maintenance for your HVAC system. A well-maintained heating system runs more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and probably avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters on a regular basis to assure proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Bedford, call the team at JBR Mechanical. Our trained technicians will get your system in excellent working order!
Seal air leaks
Locate and fill in any air leaks in your home. Typical places for leaks tend to be windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps prevents warm air from leaking out of your home, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfy temperature.
Upgrade your HVAC system
If your HVAC equipment 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 option. Modern furnaces are extremely efficient, which can dramatically decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re contemplating investing in a new heating system, phone the specialists at JBR Mechanical. We’re known for knowledgeable furnace installation in Bedford and will help you select a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 812-266-9785 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!