Set Your Thermostat And Save Money During Winter Weather
As winter draws near and the temperature drops, finding ways to save money on your energy bills becomes a top priority. One of the most effective strategies is modifying your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without sacrificing comfort.
With several options and techniques available, homeowners can lower your heating costs while still trying to keep your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are many ways to find the appropriate balance between warmth and savings.
In general, 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 at home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) advises dialing 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 Not At Home
The DOE estimates you can save approximately 10% on your HVAC costs by lowering your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. This way, 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 long period of time, you can adjust your thermostat as low as 50 degrees. This will be warm enough it will keep your furnace running so you don’t have any frozen or burst pipes waiting for you when you get home.
When you get back to your house, turn up the temperature gradually. That will keep your heating system from performing too hard, which could happen if you raise the temperature on your thermostat really high right away.
Cost-Efficient Thermostat Settings While You Are Asleep
The nice thing about sleep-time thermostat settings in the winter is that people get good sleep when it’s a little colder. The National Sleep Foundation suggests somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the best temperature range for good sleep.
Other Methods To Use Less Energy On Your HVAC In Winter
There are several other approaches 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 minimize drafts, keep warm air inside and prevent heat loss. This will limit the stress on your heating equipment and save energy.
- Install a programmable thermostat: Purchase 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 needed. For even more savings, purchase 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 Lodi, get a hold of the skilled technicians at Tokay. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can benefit your home’s comfort—and your pocketbook.
- H3: Arrange furnace maintenance: Plan to hire someone to do regular maintenance for your heating and cooling system. A well-maintained heating system functions more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters on a regular basis to make sure your unit has proper airflow. For furnace maintenance in Lodi, call the team at Tokay. We will get your system in peak condition!
- Seal air leaks: Detect and close off any air leaks in your home. Typical places for leaks including windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps stops warm air from leaking out of your home, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfy temperature.
- Upgrade 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. Contemporary furnaces are very efficient, which can dramatically reduce your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re interested in investing in a new heating system, contact the specialists at Tokay. We’re noted for experienced furnace installation in Lodi and will help you pick a unit that’s well-suited for your home! Call (209) 257-3156 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!
