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As winter approaches and the temperature falls, finding ways to save money on your heating bills becomes a top priority. One of the simplest strategies is adjusting your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without sacrificing comfort.
With several options and techniques available, it's possible to lower your heating costs while still keeping your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are several ways to find the appropriate balance between warmth and savings.
Overall, 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 outdoor temperature, the more money you will save on heating.
Ideal Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home
When you’re around your 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 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 decreasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By doing this, 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 a prolonged 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 return to your home, increase the temperature gradually. That will keep your heating system from performing too hard, which it could if you raise the temperature on your thermostat very high right away.
Suggested Thermostat Settings While You Are Sleeping
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 suggests somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the best temperature range for quality sleep.
More Techniques to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter
There are many other ways 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 avoid heat loss. This will decrease the stress on your heating equipment and save energy.
Set up a programmable thermostat
Purchase a programmable thermostat to control 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, buy a smart thermostat that can detect when you are in or out and change the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these products or for smart thermostat installation in Wyandotte, contact the skilled technicians at Gee & Missler Heating & Air Conditioning. We can tell you how smart thermostats can benefit your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.
H3: Arrange furnace maintenance:
Plan regular maintenance for your heating system. A well-maintained system operates more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and probably avoiding costly repairs. Clean or replace air filters regularly to assure proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Wyandotte, call the team at Gee & Missler Heating & Air Conditioning. We will get your system in top shape!
Seal air leaks
Locate and close off any air leaks in your home. Frequent sites for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps prevents warm air from leaking out of your home, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a cozy temperature.
Update 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 a smart long-term solution. Modern day furnaces are extremely efficient, which can notably decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re considering upgrading to a new heating system, call the professionals at Gee & Missler Heating & Air Conditioning. We’re noted for knowledgeable furnace installation in Wyandotte and will help you pick a unit that’s well suited for your home! Call 734-284-1224 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!