As winter approaches and the temperature falls, finding ways to save money on your heating bills becomes a top priority. One of the best tips is changing your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without sacrificing comfort.
With numerous options and techniques available, you can lower 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 guideline 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.
Ideal Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home
When you’re going to be home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) suggests setting 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 estimates you can save as much as 10% on your heating costs by lowering 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 prolonged period of time, you can adjust 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, increase the temperature gradually. That will keep your heating system from performing too hard, which could be the case if you raise the temperature on your thermostat really high right away.
Cost-Efficient Thermostat Settings While You Are in Bed for The Night
The nice thing about sleep-time thermostat settings in the winter is that people sleep better when it’s a little colder. The National Sleep Foundation reports somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the ideal temperature range for good sleep.
More Methods to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter
There are many other approaches 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 avoid heat loss. This will minimize the stress on your HVAC system and save energy.
Buy a programmable thermostat
Install a programmable thermostat to control the temperature in your home conveniently. Set lower temperatures when you're away or asleep and increase them only when required.
For even more savings, install a smart thermostat that can sense when you are in or out and modify the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these systems or for smart thermostat installation in Wilmington, get a hold of the skilled technicians at Ambience HVAC, Inc.. We can explain how smart thermostats can benefit your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.
H3: Arrange furnace maintenance:
Plan regular maintenance for your heating system. A well-maintained system functions more efficiently, decreasing energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters routinely to assure proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Wilmington, call the team at Ambience HVAC, Inc.. We will get your system in peak condition!
Seal air leaks
Detect and seal any air leaks in your home. Typical sites for leaks tend to be windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Plugging these gaps stops warm air from seeping out, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfy 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 solution. Today’s furnaces are extremely efficient, which can notably lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re considering upgrading to a new heating system, contact the specialists at Ambience HVAC, Inc.. We’re recognized for experienced furnace installation in Wilmington and will help you find a unit that’s well suited for your home! Call 302-239-HVAC (4822) today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!