As winter approaches and the temperature falls, finding ways to save money on your power bills becomes a top priority. One of the most effective techniques is changing your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without sacrificing comfort.
With numerous options and techniques available, it's possible to lower your heating costs while still trying to keep 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.
As a whole, a good guideline 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.
Money-Saving Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home
When you’re going to be home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) suggests setting your thermostat to between 68°F and 70°F in the winter. That’s warm enough to keep lots of families comfy, but also low enough to be energy efficient.
Effective Temperature Settings While You Not at Home
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. This way, you’re not needlessly spending 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 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 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 working too hard, which could be the case if you raise the temperature on your thermostat very high right away.
Suggested Thermostat Settings While You Are Sleeping
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 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 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 minimize drafts, keep warm air inside and protect against heat loss. This will decrease the pressure on your HVAC system and save energy.
Set up a programmable thermostat
Install a programmable thermostat to control 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, set up a smart thermostat that can perceive when you are in or out and modify the temperature correctly. 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 help your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.
H3: Plan furnace maintenance:
Schedule regular maintenance for your HVAC system. A well-maintained heating system operates more efficiently, decreasing energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters regularly to make sure your unit has proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Thousand Palms, call the team at Marios Air Conditioning. We will get your system in top shape!
Seal air leaks
Find and fill in any air leaks in your home. Common sites for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Plugging these gaps blocks warm air from seeping out, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfortable temperature.
Improve your HVAC system
If your HVAC equipment is old, inefficient or just isn’t able to keep your home as warm as you desire, furnace replacement may be an ideal long-term solution. Modern furnaces are very efficient, which can dramatically decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re contemplating upgrading to a new heating system, call the professionals at Marios Air Conditioning. We’re noted for skilled furnace installation in Thousand Palms and will help you pick a unit that’s well suited for your home! Call 760-314-4766 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!