As winter approaches and the temperature dips, finding ways to save money on your heating bills becomes a top priority. One of the most effective tips is modifying your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without compromising comfort.
With numerous options and techniques available, homeowners can lower your heating costs while still keeping 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 ideal balance between warmth and savings.
Overall, a good rule 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 around your home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recommends putting your thermostat to between 68°F and 70°F in the winter. That’s warm enough to keep most families cozy, 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 up to 10% on your HVAC costs by turning down your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By doing this, you’re not throwing away money heating your home while you’re not there.
Experts say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone a prolonged 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 return to your home, raise the temperature gradually. That will keep your heating system from working too hard, which could happen if you raise the temperature on your thermostat very high right away.
Recommended Thermostat Settings While You Are in Bed for The Night
The great news 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.
Additional Methods to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter
There are several 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 cut down on drafts, keep warm air inside and protect against heat loss. This will decrease the workload on your HVAC system and save energy.
Install a programmable thermostat
Put in a programmable thermostat to control the temperature in your home efficiently. Set lower temperatures when you're away or asleep and increase them only when needed.
For even more savings, set up a smart thermostat that can perceive when you are in or out and change the temperature correctly. To learn more about these systems or for smart thermostat installation in Port St. Lucie, contact the skilled technicians at True Temp. We can tell you how smart thermostats can help your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.
H3: Plan furnace maintenance:
Schedule regular maintenance for your heating system. A well-maintained system functions more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters regularly to assure proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Port St. Lucie, call the team at True Temp. Our trained technicians will get your system in top shape!
Seal air leaks
Find and close off any air leaks in your home. Typical sites for leaks are 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.
Improve your HVAC system
If your furnace is old, inefficient or just isn’t able to keep your home as warm as you need, furnace replacement may be an ideal long-term decision. Modern furnaces are highly 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, contact the professionals at True Temp. We’re known for experienced furnace installation in Port St. Lucie and will help you choose a unit that’s well suited for your home! Call 772-202-2963 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!