As winter draws near and the temperature drops, finding ways to save money on your heating bills becomes a top priority. One of the simplest techniques is modifying your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without sacrificing comfort.
With several options and techniques available, homeowners can reduce 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 plenty of ways to find the ideal balance between warmth and savings.
Overall, a good rule of thumb is the lower the temperature within 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 your monthly energy costs.
Money-Saving Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home
When you’re at home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) suggests putting 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 Going to Be Out of Your Home
The DOE reports you can save as much as 10% on your HVAC costs by lowering your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By using this method, 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 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 cause damage to your home while you're gone.
When you return to your home, increase the temperature bit by bit. That will keep your heating system from performing too hard, which it could if you raise the temperature on your thermostat really high right away.
Cost-Efficient Thermostat Settings While You Are Sleeping
The good 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 good sleep.
Additional Ways to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter
There are many other techniques you can employ so you 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 protect against heat loss. This will minimize the pressure on your heating equipment and save energy.
Set up a programmable thermostat
Install a programmable thermostat to regulate the temperature in your home conveniently. Set lower temperatures when you're away or asleep and increase them only when required.
For even more savings, purchase a smart thermostat that can sense when you are in or out and adjust the temperature appropriately. To learn more about these devices or for smart thermostat installation in Cedar Rapids, get a hold of the skilled technicians at Ilten's. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can help your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.
H3: Plan furnace maintenance:
Plan regular maintenance for your HVAC system. A well-maintained heating system functions more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters regularly to make sure your unit has proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Cedar Rapids, call the team at Ilten's. Our specialists will get your system in top shape!
Seal air leaks
Find and seal any air leaks in your home. Common sites for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing these gaps prevents warm air from leaking out of your home, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfortable temperature.
Upgrade your HVAC system
If your HVAC equipment is old, inefficient or just isn’t able to keep your home as warm as you need, furnace replacement may be a good long-term decision. Modern furnaces are very efficient, which can notably decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re thinking about investing in a new heating system, phone the professionals at Ilten's. We’re noted for experienced furnace installation in Cedar Rapids and will help you find a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 319-208-2351 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!