As winter gets closer and the temperature falls, finding ways to save money on your heating bills becomes a top priority. One of the best tips is adjusting your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without losing comfort.
With many options and techniques available, you 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 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 outdoor temperature, the more money you will save on your HVAC bills.
Money-Saving Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home
When you’re at home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) advises setting 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 estimates you can save up to 10% on your home heating costs by decreasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By using this method, you’re not needlessly spending money heating your home while you’re not there.
Industry professionals 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 cause damage to your home while you're gone.
When you return to your home, increase the temperature slowly. 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.
Cost-Efficient 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 states somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the ideal temperature range for good sleep.
Other Tactics 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:
Evaluate your insulation levels
Insulate doors, windows and walls to cut down on drafts, keep warm air inside and protect against heat loss. This will minimize the pressure on your heating equipment and save energy.
Set up a programmable thermostat
Put in a programmable thermostat to manage the temperature in your home conveniently. Set lower temperatures when you're away or asleep and increase them only when required.
For even more savings, install a smart thermostat that can perceive when you are in or out and modify the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these systems or for smart thermostat installation in Moline, consult with the skilled technicians at Freed Heating & Air Conditioning. We can explain how smart thermostats can improve your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.
H3: Plan furnace maintenance:
Schedule regular maintenance for your heating system. A well-maintained heating system runs more efficiently, decreasing energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters routinely to ensure proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Moline, call the team at Freed Heating & Air Conditioning. Our specialists will get your system in excellent working order!
Seal air leaks
Find and close off any air leaks in your home. Typical spots for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Plugging these gaps prevents warm air from leaking out of your home, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfy 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 good long-term decision. Modern furnaces are very efficient, which can dramatically lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re contemplating getting a new heating system, contact the pros at Freed Heating & Air Conditioning. We’re recognized for skilled furnace installation in Moline and will help you find a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 309-323-9584 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!