
As winter draws near and the temperature dips, finding ways to save money on your heating bills becomes a top priority. One of the best techniques is adjusting your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without compromising comfort.
With many 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 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 exterior temperature, the more money you will save on your monthly energy costs.
Money-Saving Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home
When you’re around your home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recommends setting your thermostat to between 68°F and 70°F in the winter. That’s warm enough to keep most families comfortable, but also low enough to be energy efficient.
Effective Temperature Settings While You Not at Home
The DOE reports you can save approximately 10% on your HVAC costs by decreasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. That way, you’re not wasting money heating your home while you’re not there.
Authorities say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone a prolonged period of time, you can set 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 while you are away.
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 quite high right away.
Cost-Efficient Thermostat Settings While You Are Asleep
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 suggests somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the best temperature range for quality sleep.
Other Ways to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter
There are a number of 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 cut down on drafts, keep warm air inside and avoid heat loss. This will limit the workload on your heating equipment and save energy.
Install a programmable thermostat
Install a programmable thermostat to regulate the temperature in your home effortlessly. Set lower temperatures when you're out of your home or asleep and increase them only when necessary.
For even more savings, install a smart thermostat that can sense when you are in or out and modify the temperature correctly. To learn more about these products or for smart thermostat installation in Eastland, consult with the skilled technicians at J & J Air Conditioning. We can explain how smart thermostats can help your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.
H3: Plan furnace maintenance:
Plan to hire someone to do regular maintenance for your heating and cooling system. A well-maintained system runs more efficiently, decreasing energy consumption and probably avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters regularly to assure proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Eastland, call the team at J & J Air Conditioning. Our specialists will get your system in top shape!
Seal air leaks
Locate and seal any air leaks in your home. Typical spots for leaks tend to be 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 sufficient temperature.
Improve your HVAC system
If your HVAC equipment 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 decision. Contemporary furnaces are very efficient, which can significantly lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re interested in investing in a new heating system, phone the professionals at J & J Air Conditioning. We’re recognized for experienced furnace installation in Eastland and will help you select a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 254-355-3833 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!