
As winter draws near and the temperature falls, finding ways to save money on your heating bills becomes a top priority. One of the simplest ways is modifying your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without sacrificing comfort.
With numerous options and techniques available, homeowners can decrease 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 several ways to find the appropriate balance between warmth and savings.
As a whole, a good rule of thumb 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 your monthly energy costs.
Money-Saving Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home
When you’re at home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) advises dialing 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 approximately 10% on your energy costs by decreasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By doing this, 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 an extended period of time, you can put your thermostat as low as 50 degrees. Doing this will keep your furnace running so you don’t have any frozen or burst pipes while you are away.
When you return to your home, raise the temperature little by little. 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.
Cost-Efficient Thermostat Settings While You Are Asleep
The good news about sleep-time thermostat settings in the winter is that people sleep better when it’s a little colder. The National Sleep Foundation reports somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the ideal temperature range for good sleep.
Additional Ways to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter
There are a number of other techniques you can employ so you 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 limit the pressure on your heating equipment and save energy.
Buy a programmable thermostat
Purchase a programmable thermostat to control the temperature in your home effectively. Set lower temperatures when you're not home or asleep and increase them only when necessary.
For even more savings, buy a smart thermostat that can perceive when you are in or out and adjust the temperature correctly. To learn more about these systems or for smart thermostat installation in Haines City, contact the skilled technicians at Air Commander's Heating & Air Conditioning Co.. We can tell you how smart thermostats can help your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.
H3: Arrange furnace maintenance:
Schedule regular maintenance for your HVAC system. A well-maintained furnace operates more efficiently, decreasing energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters regularly to ensure proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Haines City, call the team at Air Commander's Heating & Air Conditioning Co.. Our trained technicians will get your system in peak condition!
Seal air leaks
Locate and fill in any air leaks in your home. Common places for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing these gaps prevents warm air from escaping, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfy 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 need, furnace replacement may be a smart long-term option. Modern furnaces are highly efficient, which can dramatically reduce your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re interested in investing in a new heating system, contact the pros at Air Commander's Heating & Air Conditioning Co.. We’re known for knowledgeable furnace installation in Haines City and will help you choose a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 863-343-0920 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!
