As winter draws near and the temperature drops, finding ways to save money on your energy bills becomes a top priority. One of the simplest tips is adjusting your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without sacrificing comfort.
With many options and techniques available, you can reduce your heating costs while still trying to keep your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are many ways to find the perfect balance between warmth and savings.
In general, 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 exterior temperature, the more money you will save on your monthly energy costs.
Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home
When you’re around your home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recommends setting 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 Going to Be Out of Your Home
The DOE states you can save as much as 10% on your heating costs by lowering your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. This way, you’re not wasting money heating your home while you’re not there.
Industry professionals say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone a prolonged period of time, you can adjust 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 get back to your house, raise the temperature gradually. That will keep your heating system from performing too hard, which could happen if you raise the temperature on your thermostat really high right away.
Recommended Thermostat Settings While You Are Asleep
The nice thing about sleep-time thermostat settings in the winter is that people get good sleep when it’s a little colder. The National Sleep Foundation says somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the optimal temperature range for great sleep.
More Tactics 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:
Examine your insulation levels
Insulate doors, windows and walls to minimize drafts, keep warm air inside and avoid heat loss. This will limit the workload on your furnace and save energy.
Buy a programmable thermostat
Put in a programmable thermostat to manage the temperature in your home efficiently. Set lower temperatures when you're not home or asleep and increase them only when required.
For even more savings, buy a smart thermostat that can perceive when you are in or out and adjust the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these devices or for smart thermostat installation in Phoenix, consult with the skilled technicians at Dial One Mears Air Conditioning & Heating Inc. We can explain how smart thermostats can improve 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 furnace functions more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters regularly to assure proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Phoenix, call the team at Dial One Mears Air Conditioning & Heating Inc. We will get your system in peak condition!
Seal air leaks
Detect and fill in any air leaks in your home. Typical places for leaks including windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Plugging these gaps stops warm air from seeping out, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a sufficient 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 good long-term decision. Modern furnaces are extremely efficient, which can significantly lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re contemplating upgrading to a new heating system, call the professionals at Dial One Mears Air Conditioning & Heating Inc. We’re recognized for skilled furnace installation in Phoenix and will help you pick a unit that’s well suited for your home! Call 602-789-3315 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!