As winter gets closer and the temperature falls, finding ways to save money on your energy bills becomes a top priority. One of the simplest ways is changing your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without compromising comfort.
With many options and techniques available, it's possible to decrease your heating costs while still making your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Regardless of whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are plenty of ways to find the perfect balance between warmth and savings.
In general, a good rule of thumb is the lower the temperature within 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.
Money-Saving 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 the majority of families comfy, but also low enough to be energy efficient.
Effective Temperature Settings While You Going to Be Out of Your Home
The DOE estimates you can save as much as 10% on your HVAC costs by decreasing 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.
Authorities 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 bit by bit. That will keep your heating system from running too hard, which could happen if you raise the temperature on your thermostat quite high right away.
Recommended Thermostat Settings While You Are in Bed for The Night
The nice thing about sleep-time thermostat settings in the winter is that people generally sleep well 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 Tactics to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter
There are several 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 cut down on drafts, keep warm air inside and counter heat loss. This will limit the workload on your furnace and save energy.
Buy a programmable thermostat
Put in a programmable thermostat to regulate the temperature in your home efficiently. Set lower temperatures when you're not home or asleep and increase them only when needed.
For even more savings, buy a smart thermostat that can perceive when you are in or out and change the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these systems or for smart thermostat installation in Oxford, get a hold of the skilled technicians at Franklin's Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. We can explain how smart thermostats can benefit your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.
H3: Schedule furnace maintenance:
Plan regular maintenance for your HVAC system. A well-maintained furnace runs more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or replace air filters routinely to assure proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Oxford, call the team at Franklin's Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. Our trained technicians will get your system in peak condition!
Seal air leaks
Detect and close off any air leaks in your home. Frequent places for leaks including windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps blocks warm air from escaping, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfy temperature.
Update your HVAC system
If your heating system 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 solution. Contemporary furnaces are extremely efficient, which can significantly reduce your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re interested in investing in a new heating system, call the professionals at Franklin's Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. We’re recognized for experienced furnace installation in Oxford and will help you choose a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 662-281-1231 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!