As winter approaches and the temperature dips, finding ways to save money on your energy bills becomes a top priority. One of the most effective techniques is changing your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without compromising comfort.
With numerous options and techniques available, it's possible to reduce 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 several ways to find the appropriate balance between warmth and savings.
Overall, 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 HVAC bills.
Money-Saving Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home
When you’re around your home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recommends dialing 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 Are Away
The DOE reports you can save up to 10% on your home heating costs by lowering your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. That 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 adjust 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 arrive home, increase the temperature little by little. That will keep your heating system from working too hard, which could happen if you raise the temperature on your thermostat quite high right away.
Suggested Thermostat Settings While You Are in Bed for The Night
The good news about sleep-time thermostat settings in the winter is that people sleep better when it’s a little colder. The National Sleep Foundation states somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the ideal temperature range for great sleep.
Other Methods to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter
There are a number of other ways you can utilize to consume less energy this winter while you heat your home. They include:
Check your insulation levels
Insulate doors, windows and walls to cut down on drafts, keep warm air inside and avoid heat loss. This will limit the workload on your furnace and save energy.
Set up a programmable thermostat
Purchase a programmable thermostat to regulate the temperature in your home effortlessly. Set lower temperatures when you're away or asleep and increase them only when needed.
For even more savings, purchase a smart thermostat that can perceive when you are in or out and modify the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these products or for smart thermostat installation in Thousand Palms, contact the skilled technicians at Marios Air Conditioning. We can explain how smart thermostats can improve your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.
H3: Schedule furnace maintenance:
Plan to hire someone to do regular maintenance for your heating and cooling system. A well-maintained furnace operates more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters on a regular basis to assure proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Thousand Palms, call the team at Marios Air Conditioning. Our specialists will get your system in excellent working order!
Seal air leaks
Find and seal any air leaks in your home. Typical spots for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps stops 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 heating system 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 option. Contemporary furnaces are very efficient, which can dramatically reduce your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re considering upgrading to a new heating system, phone the professionals at Marios Air Conditioning. We’re known for experienced furnace installation in Thousand Palms and will help you select a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 760-314-4766 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!