As winter draws near and the temperature dips, finding ways to save money on your energy bills becomes a top priority. One of the best strategies is modifying your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without compromising comfort.
With multiple options and techniques available, it's possible to decrease 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.
In general, 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 exterior 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) recommends dialing 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 Not at Home
The DOE estimates you can save up to 10% on your 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.
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 cause damage to your home while you're gone.
When you arrive home, raise the temperature slowly. 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.
Cost-Efficient Thermostat Settings While You Are Sleeping
The great news about sleep-time thermostat settings in the winter is that people sleep better when it’s a little colder. The National Sleep Foundation says somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the best temperature range for great sleep.
Additional Methods to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter
There are a number of other approaches 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 reduce drafts, keep warm air inside and counter heat loss. This will decrease the pressure on your heating equipment and save energy.
Buy a programmable thermostat
Put in a programmable thermostat to manage the temperature in your home effortlessly. Set lower temperatures when you're out of your home or asleep and increase them only when necessary.
For even more savings, buy a smart thermostat that can detect when you are in or out and modify the temperature correctly. To learn more about these products or for smart thermostat installation in York, contact the skilled technicians at Strine's. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can help your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.
H3: Arrange furnace maintenance:
Plan regular maintenance for your heating and cooling system. A well-maintained furnace operates more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and probably avoiding costly repairs. Clean or replace air filters routinely to make sure your unit has 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 seal any air leaks in your home. Typical spots for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps stops warm air from escaping, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a sufficient temperature.
Update your HVAC system
If your furnace is old, inefficient or just isn’t able to keep your home as warm as you need, furnace replacement may be an ideal long-term solution. Modern furnaces are extremely efficient, which can significantly decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re interested in upgrading to a new heating system, contact the professionals at Strine's. We’re noted for skilled furnace installation in York and will help you choose a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 717-383-4479 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!