As winter draws near and the temperature drops, finding ways to save money on your heating bills becomes a top priority. One of the best tips is adjusting your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without losing comfort.
With several options and techniques available, you can 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 many ways to find the perfect balance between warmth and savings.
In general, a good rule of thumb is the lower the temperature inside 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 heating.
Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home
When you’re at 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 the majority 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 reports you can save up to 10% on your HVAC costs by lowering your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By using this method, you’re not needlessly spending money heating your home while you’re not there.
Experts say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone a prolonged period of time, you can put 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, turn up the temperature gradually. That will keep your heating system from working too hard, which it could if you raise the temperature on your thermostat really high right away.
Recommended Thermostat Settings While You Are Sleeping
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 reports somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the ideal temperature range for good sleep.
Other Ways to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter
There are a number of other techniques you can employ so you consume less energy this winter while you heat your home. They include:
Evaluate your insulation levels
Insulate doors, windows and walls to reduce drafts, keep warm air inside and prevent heat loss. This will minimize the workload on your furnace and save energy.
Set up a programmable thermostat
Put in 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 necessary.
For even more savings, buy a smart thermostat that can detect when you are in or out and change the temperature appropriately. To learn more about these products or for smart thermostat installation in Wausau, contact the skilled technicians at Gilray Heating and Cooling. 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 and cooling system. A well-maintained furnace functions more efficiently, decreasing energy consumption and probably avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters on a regular basis to assure proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Wausau, call the team at Gilray Heating and Cooling. We will get your system in top shape!
Seal air leaks
Detect and seal any air leaks in your home. Typical places for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Plugging these gaps stops warm air from seeping out, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfortable temperature.
Improve your HVAC system
If your furnace 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 option. Modern furnaces are extremely efficient, which can dramatically reduce your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re interested in getting a new heating system, call the pros at Gilray Heating and Cooling. We’re known for experienced furnace installation in Wausau and will help you pick a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 715-301-0727 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!