As winter gets closer and the temperature dips, finding ways to save money on your heating bills becomes a top priority. One of the best ways is changing your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without sacrificing comfort.
With many options and techniques available, homeowners can lower your heating costs while still making your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Irrespective of whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are plenty of ways to find the ideal 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 outside temperature, the more money you will save on your HVAC bills.
Money-Saving Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home
When you’re going to be home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) suggests putting your thermostat to between 68°F and 70°F in the winter. That’s warm enough to keep most families comfy, but also low enough to be energy efficient.
Effective Temperature Settings While You Not at 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. That way, you’re not wasting money heating your home while you’re not there.
Experts 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. This will be warm enough it will keep your furnace running so you don’t have any frozen or burst pipes waiting for you when you get home.
When you get back to your house, increase the temperature bit by bit. That will keep your heating system from running too hard, which it could if you raise the temperature on your thermostat really 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 generally sleep well when it’s a little colder. The National Sleep Foundation reports somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the ideal temperature range for great sleep.
Other Ways to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter
There are a number of other approaches you can use to consume less energy this winter while you heat your home. They include:
Evaluate your insulation levels
Insulate doors, windows and walls to reduce drafts, keep warm air inside and avoid heat loss. This will decrease the pressure on your heating equipment and save energy.
Set up a programmable thermostat
Purchase a programmable thermostat to regulate the temperature in your home conveniently. 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 change the temperature correctly. To learn more about these devices or for smart thermostat installation in Libertyville, contact the skilled technicians at TopTec. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can benefit your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.
H3: Schedule furnace maintenance:
Schedule regular maintenance for your heating and cooling system. A well-maintained furnace functions more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters on a regular basis to ensure proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Libertyville, call the team at TopTec. Our trained technicians will get your system in peak condition!
Seal air leaks
Find and fill in any air leaks in your home. Common sites for leaks tend to be windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Plugging these gaps prevents warm air from escaping, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a sufficient temperature.
Upgrade 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 a good long-term solution. Contemporary furnaces are highly efficient, which can significantly lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re contemplating getting a new heating system, phone the pros at TopTec. We’re recognized for knowledgeable furnace installation in Libertyville and will help you pick a unit that’s well suited for your home! Call 847-362-0262 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!