As winter approaches and the temperature dips, finding ways to save money on your heating 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, it's possible to 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 many ways to find the appropriate balance between warmth and savings.
As a whole, 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 outside temperature, the more money you will save on your HVAC bills.
Ideal Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home
When you’re going to be home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) advises putting your thermostat to between 68°F and 70°F in the winter. That’s warm enough to keep most 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 approximately 10% on your HVAC costs by turning down your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. This 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 a prolonged period of time, you can set your thermostat as low as 50 degrees. Doing this will keep your furnace running so you don’t have any frozen or burst pipes waiting for you when you get home.
When you return to your home, increase the temperature slowly. That will keep your heating system from working too hard, which could happen if you raise the temperature on your thermostat quite high right away.
Recommended 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 states somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the ideal temperature range for good sleep.
More Techniques 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 counter heat loss. This will limit the stress on your furnace and save energy.
Buy a programmable thermostat
Purchase a programmable thermostat to regulate the temperature in your home effectively. Set lower temperatures when you're away or asleep and increase them only when necessary.
For even more savings, set up a smart thermostat that can detect when you are in or out and adjust the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these systems or for smart thermostat installation in Des Moines, consult with the skilled technicians at Kohles & Bach Heating & Cooling. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can improve your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.
H3: Plan furnace maintenance:
Schedule regular maintenance for your heating and cooling system. A well-maintained system operates more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters on a regular basis to assure proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Des Moines, call the team at Kohles & Bach Heating & Cooling. We will get your system in peak condition!
Seal air leaks
Detect and fill in any air leaks in your home. Common places for leaks tend to be windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing these gaps prevents warm air from escaping, 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 desire, furnace replacement may be a smart long-term solution. Today’s furnaces are very efficient, which can dramatically reduce your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re considering upgrading to a new heating system, contact the specialists at Kohles & Bach Heating & Cooling. We’re known for knowledgeable furnace installation in Des Moines and will help you select a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 515-278-2900 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!