As winter draws near and the temperature drops, finding ways to save money on your heating bills becomes a top priority. One of the most effective strategies is changing your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without compromising comfort.
With multiple options and techniques available, homeowners can decrease your heating costs while still keeping your home cozy throughout the chilly season. 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 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 heating.
Money-Saving Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home
When you’re at home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recommends setting your thermostat to between 68°F and 70°F in the winter. That’s warm enough to keep lots of families comfortable, 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 energy costs by decreasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. That way, 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 adjust your thermostat as low as 50 degrees. That 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, turn up the temperature bit by bit. 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 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 reports somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the best temperature range for good sleep.
Other Methods to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter
There are many other techniques you can utilize to 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 counter heat loss. This will minimize the workload on your heating equipment and save energy.
Install a programmable thermostat
Purchase a programmable thermostat to manage the temperature in your home conveniently. Set lower temperatures when you're out of your 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 appropriately. To learn more about these devices or for smart thermostat installation in Shamokin and Sunbury, consult with the skilled technicians at LTS Plumbing & Heating Inc.. We can tell you how smart thermostats can help your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.
H3: Plan furnace maintenance:
Plan regular maintenance for your heating and cooling system. A well-maintained heating system functions more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and probably avoiding costly repairs. Clean or replace air filters on a regular basis to assure proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Shamokin and Sunbury, call the team at LTS Plumbing & Heating Inc.. We will get your system in peak condition!
Seal air leaks
Locate and fill in any air leaks in your home. Typical sites for leaks tend to be windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing these gaps stops warm air from leaking out of your home, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfortable temperature.
Upgrade your HVAC system
If your HVAC equipment 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 decision. Today’s furnaces are very efficient, which can significantly decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re interested in getting a new heating system, call the specialists at LTS Plumbing & Heating Inc.. We’re recognized for skilled furnace installation in Shamokin and Sunbury and will help you find a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 570-648-0748 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!