As winter draws near and the temperature drops, finding ways to save money on your power bills becomes a top priority. One of the best strategies is adjusting your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without losing comfort.
With several options and techniques available, it's possible to lower your heating costs while still making your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are several ways to find the ideal balance between warmth and savings.
Overall, a good rule is the lower the temperature inside 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 heating.
Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home
When you’re going to be 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 lots of 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 energy costs by turning down 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 long 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 cause damage to your home while you're gone.
When you return to your home, raise the temperature bit by bit. That will keep your heating system from working too hard, which could happen if you raise the temperature on your thermostat really high right away.
Suggested Thermostat Settings While You Are Sleeping
The good news 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.
More Techniques to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter
There are several other approaches 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 cut down on drafts, keep warm air inside and protect against heat loss. This will limit the stress on your heating equipment and save energy.
Buy a programmable thermostat
Put in 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, purchase a smart thermostat that can perceive when you are in or out and modify the temperature appropriately. To learn more about these products or for smart thermostat installation in Manassas, contact the skilled technicians at Fire & Ice HVAC. We can tell you 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 system operates more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and probably avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters on a regular basis to make sure your unit has proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Manassas, call the team at Fire & Ice HVAC. Our trained technicians will get your system in peak condition!
Seal air leaks
Detect and fill in any air leaks in your home. Common spots for leaks tend to be windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps blocks 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 furnace 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 furnaces are very efficient, which can dramatically decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re interested in getting a new heating system, phone the professionals at Fire & Ice HVAC. We’re recognized for knowledgeable furnace installation in Manassas and will help you choose a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 703-595-4157 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!