As winter gets closer and the temperature drops, finding ways to save money on your power bills becomes a top priority. One of the best techniques is adjusting your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without losing comfort.
With multiple options and techniques available, you can reduce your heating costs while still trying to keep your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Irrespective of whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are plenty of ways to find the perfect balance between warmth and savings.
In general, a good rule is the lower the temperature in 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.
Money-Saving Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home
When you’re at home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) suggests dialing your thermostat to between 68°F and 70°F in the winter. That’s warm enough to keep lots of families comfortable, but also low enough to be energy efficient.
Effective Temperature Settings While You Are Away
The DOE states you can save up to 10% on your HVAC costs by decreasing 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.
Industry professionals say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone a long period of time, you can put 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, raise the temperature little by little. That will keep your heating system from running too hard, which could be the case if you raise the temperature on your thermostat very high right away.
Recommended Thermostat Settings While You Are Sleeping
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 reports somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the best temperature range for great sleep.
More Tactics to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter
There are many 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 reduce 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
Install a programmable thermostat to manage the temperature in your home effectively. Set lower temperatures when you're out of your 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 modify the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these gadgets or for smart thermostat installation in Redding, contact the skilled technicians at Allianz Heating & Air. We can explain how smart thermostats can benefit your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.
H3: Schedule furnace maintenance:
Plan to hire someone to do regular maintenance for your heating system. A well-maintained furnace runs more efficiently, decreasing energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or replace air filters on a regular basis to assure proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Redding, call the team at Allianz Heating & Air. Our specialists will get your system in peak condition!
Seal air leaks
Locate and close off any air leaks in your home. Frequent places for leaks tend to be windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps prevents warm air from escaping, 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 want, furnace replacement may be a smart long-term decision. Modern furnaces are extremely efficient, which can considerably lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re thinking about investing in a new heating system, call the professionals at Allianz Heating & Air. We’re known for experienced furnace installation in Redding and will help you pick a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 530-221-2642 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!
