As winter approaches and the temperature drops, finding ways to save money on your energy bills becomes a top priority. One of the most effective techniques is modifying your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without losing comfort.
With numerous options and techniques available, it's possible to reduce 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 plenty of ways to find the perfect balance between warmth and savings.
In general, 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 outside temperature, the more money you will save on your monthly energy costs.
Ideal 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 comfortable, 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 approximately 10% on your home heating costs by lowering your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. That way, 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 an extended period of time, you can adjust your thermostat as low as 50 degrees. That will keep your furnace running so you don’t have any frozen or burst pipes waiting for you when you get home.
When you arrive home, raise the temperature gradually. That will keep your heating system from performing too hard, which it could if you raise the temperature on your thermostat really high right away.
Recommended Thermostat Settings While You Are in Bed for The Night
The nice thing about sleep-time thermostat settings in the winter is that people generally sleep well when it’s a little colder. The National Sleep Foundation suggests somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the optimal temperature range for great sleep.
Other Methods to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter
There are many other ways you can use 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 minimize the stress on your furnace and save energy.
Buy a programmable thermostat
Put in a programmable thermostat to control the temperature in your home effortlessly. Set lower temperatures when you're away or asleep and increase them only when required.
For even more savings, set up a smart thermostat that can detect when you are in or out and adjust the temperature appropriately. To learn more about these systems or for smart thermostat installation in Bend, get a hold of the skilled technicians at Tri County Climate Control LLC. We can tell you how smart thermostats can help your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.
H3: Schedule furnace maintenance:
Plan regular maintenance for your HVAC system. A well-maintained system runs more efficiently, decreasing energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters regularly to assure proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Bend, call the team at Tri County Climate Control LLC. Our trained technicians will get your system in peak condition!
Seal air leaks
Detect and seal any air leaks in your home. Common places for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Plugging these gaps blocks warm air from seeping out, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a cozy temperature.
Upgrade your HVAC system
If your furnace 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 decision. Modern furnaces are very efficient, which can considerably reduce your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re thinking about upgrading to a new heating system, call the specialists at Tri County Climate Control LLC. We’re recognized for skilled furnace installation in Bend and will help you find a unit that’s well suited for your home! Call 541-238-2797 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!