As winter gets closer and the temperature drops, finding ways to save money on your power bills becomes a top priority. One of the simplest strategies is adjusting your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without losing comfort.
With many options and techniques available, you can decrease 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 several ways to find the appropriate balance between warmth and savings.
In general, a good guideline is the lower the temperature within 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.
Money-Saving Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home
When you’re at home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) suggests putting 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 as much as 10% on your home heating costs by turning down your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By doing this, you’re not wasting 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 set 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 get back to your house, raise the temperature little by little. That will keep your heating system from running too hard, which it could if you raise the temperature on your thermostat quite high right away.
Suggested Thermostat Settings While You Are in Bed for The Night
The great 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 reports somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the best temperature range for good sleep.
Other Tactics to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter
There are a number of 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 limit the stress on your furnace and save energy.
Buy a programmable thermostat
Purchase a programmable thermostat to control the temperature in your home effortlessly. Set lower temperatures when you're not home or asleep and increase them only when needed.
For even more savings, install 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 York, get a hold of the skilled technicians at Strine's. We can tell you how smart thermostats can help your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.
H3: Plan furnace maintenance:
Schedule regular maintenance for your heating system. A well-maintained furnace operates more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and probably avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters regularly to assure proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in York, call the team at Strine's. Our trained technicians will get your system in top shape!
Seal air leaks
Locate and fill in any air leaks in your home. Typical sites for leaks including windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing these gaps prevents warm air from seeping out, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a sufficient temperature.
Update your HVAC system
If your heating system is old, inefficient or just isn’t able to keep your home as warm as you need, furnace replacement may be a good long-term option. Modern furnaces are very efficient, which can significantly lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re thinking about investing in a new heating system, call the professionals at Strine's. We’re recognized for experienced furnace installation in York and will help you select a unit that’s well suited for your home! Call 717-383-4479 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!