As winter approaches and the temperature drops, finding ways to save money on your energy bills becomes a top priority. One of the best ways is changing your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without losing comfort.
With multiple options and techniques available, you can lower your heating costs while still making your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Regardless of whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are plenty of ways to find the perfect balance between warmth and savings.
In general, 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 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) recommends setting your thermostat to between 68°F and 70°F in the winter. That’s warm enough to keep the majority of families cozy, but also low enough to be energy efficient.
Effective Temperature Settings While You Not at Home
The DOE states you can save approximately 10% on your home heating costs by turning down 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.
Experts say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone an extended period of time, you can put 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 gradually. That will keep your heating system from working too hard, which it could if you raise the temperature on your thermostat very high right away.
Cost-Efficient Thermostat Settings While You Are Sleeping
The nice thing 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 optimal temperature range for quality sleep.
Additional Ways to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter
There are several other techniques 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 minimize drafts, keep warm air inside and counter heat loss. This will minimize the workload on your furnace and save energy.
Buy a programmable thermostat
Install a programmable thermostat to regulate the temperature in your home conveniently. Set lower temperatures when you're away 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 change the temperature appropriately. To learn more about these devices or for smart thermostat installation in Menomonie and western Wisconsin, get a hold of the skilled technicians at Halverson Brothers Inc. We can explain how smart thermostats can improve your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.
H3: Arrange furnace maintenance:
Plan to hire someone to do regular maintenance for your heating system. A well-maintained heating system runs more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters on a regular basis to ensure proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Menomonie and western Wisconsin, call the team at Halverson Brothers Inc. Our specialists will get your system in excellent working order!
Seal air leaks
Detect and seal any air leaks in your home. Frequent places for leaks tend to be windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps prevents warm air from escaping, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a sufficient 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. Modern furnaces are very efficient, which can dramatically reduce your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re thinking about getting a new heating system, phone the specialists at Halverson Brothers Inc. We’re known for skilled furnace installation in Menomonie and western Wisconsin and will help you select a unit that’s well suited for your home! Call 715-352-4052 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!
