As winter gets closer and the temperature drops, finding ways to save money on your power bills becomes a top priority. One of the simplest techniques is changing your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without losing comfort.
With many options and techniques available, homeowners can reduce 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 appropriate balance between warmth and savings.
As a whole, a good rule 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 monthly energy costs.
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 Going to Be Out of Your Home
The DOE states you can save as much as 10% on your home heating costs by decreasing 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.
Experts say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone a long period of time, you can set your thermostat as low as 50 degrees. That 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 arrive home, increase the temperature slowly. That will keep your heating system from running too hard, which could be the case if you raise the temperature on your thermostat really 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 sleep better when it’s a little colder. The National Sleep Foundation suggests 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 a number of other techniques you can utilize to consume less energy this winter while you heat your home. They include:
Evaluate your insulation levels
Insulate doors, windows and walls to cut down on drafts, keep warm air inside and counter heat loss. This will minimize the pressure on your heating equipment and save energy.
Buy a programmable thermostat
Install a programmable thermostat to manage the temperature in your home effectively. Set lower temperatures when you're out of your home or asleep and increase them only when necessary.
For even more savings, install a smart thermostat that can detect when you are in or out and modify the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these devices or for smart thermostat installation in Michigan City, get a hold of the skilled technicians at Paniccia Heating & Cooling. We can tell you how smart thermostats can improve your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.
H3: Arrange furnace maintenance:
Schedule regular maintenance for your heating and cooling system. A well-maintained heating system functions more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters regularly to make sure your unit has proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Michigan City, call the team at Paniccia Heating & Cooling. Our trained technicians will get your system in top shape!
Seal air leaks
Find and close off any air leaks in your home. Frequent sites for leaks tend to be windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Plugging these gaps stops warm air from seeping out, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfy temperature.
Update 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 smart long-term decision. Modern day furnaces are very efficient, which can dramatically decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re thinking about getting a new heating system, contact the specialists at Paniccia Heating & Cooling. We’re recognized for experienced furnace installation in Michigan City and will help you choose a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 219-872-2198 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!