As winter draws near and the temperature drops, finding ways to save money on your power bills becomes a top priority. One of the most effective ways is modifying your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without losing comfort.
With many 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 perfect 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 your HVAC bills.
Ideal Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home
When you’re around your home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) suggests 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 Going to Be Out of Your Home
The DOE reports you can save up to 10% on your heating costs by decreasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. This way, 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 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 arrive home, turn up the temperature slowly. That will keep your heating system from running too hard, which could be the case if you raise the temperature on your thermostat quite high right away.
Cost-Efficient Thermostat Settings While You Are in Bed for The Night
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.
Additional Tactics to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter
There are a number of other approaches you can use 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 avoid heat loss. This will minimize the workload on your heating equipment and save energy.
Set up a programmable thermostat
Purchase a programmable thermostat to regulate the temperature in your home effectively. Set lower temperatures when you're not home or asleep and increase them only when needed.
For even more savings, set up a smart thermostat that can perceive when you are in or out and adjust the temperature appropriately. To learn more about these devices or for smart thermostat installation in Spokane, consult with the skilled technicians at Bigfoot Heating & Cooling. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can help your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.
H3: Schedule furnace maintenance:
Plan regular maintenance for your heating system. A well-maintained heating system functions more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and probably avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters regularly to assure proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Spokane, call the team at Bigfoot Heating & Cooling. Our specialists will get your system in peak condition!
Seal air leaks
Detect and close off any air leaks in your home. Frequent spots for leaks including 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 comfortable 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 want, furnace replacement may be a good long-term option. Contemporary furnaces are highly 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, contact the pros at Bigfoot Heating & Cooling. We’re known for experienced furnace installation in Spokane and will help you choose a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 509-392-8770 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!
