As winter draws near and the temperature drops, finding ways to save money on your power bills becomes a top priority. One of the most effective ways is adjusting your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without sacrificing comfort.
With multiple options and techniques available, homeowners can decrease your heating costs while still keeping your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are plenty of ways to find the ideal balance between warmth and savings.
In general, a good rule 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.
Best 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 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 estimates you can save as much as 10% on your home heating costs by turning down 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.
Experts 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. 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, increase the temperature gradually. That will keep your heating system from working too hard, which could happen 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 great news 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 best temperature range for good sleep.
More Ways to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter
There are several other approaches you can utilize 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 avoid heat loss. This will minimize the workload on your heating equipment and save energy.
Buy a programmable thermostat
Put in a programmable thermostat to control the temperature in your home effectively. Set lower temperatures when you're away 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 adjust the temperature appropriately. To learn more about these systems or for smart thermostat installation in Phoenix, get a hold of the skilled technicians at Integrity AC & Heating LLC. We can explain how smart thermostats can improve your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.
H3: Schedule furnace maintenance:
Plan regular maintenance for your heating and cooling system. A well-maintained system functions more efficiently, decreasing energy consumption and probably avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters routinely to ensure proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Phoenix, call the team at Integrity AC & Heating LLC. Our trained technicians will get your system in top shape!
Seal air leaks
Detect and seal any air leaks in your home. Frequent sites for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps prevents warm air from leaking out of your home, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfortable temperature.
Improve 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 good long-term solution. Modern furnaces are very efficient, which can dramatically reduce your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re thinking about investing in a new heating system, phone the pros at Integrity AC & Heating LLC. We’re recognized for skilled furnace installation in Phoenix and will help you find a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 602-971-0567 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!