As winter gets closer and the temperature falls, finding ways to save money on your energy bills becomes a top priority. One of the simplest ways is modifying your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without sacrificing comfort.
With multiple options and techniques available, it's possible to lower your heating costs while still making your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Regardless of whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are plenty of ways to find the ideal balance between warmth and savings.
As a whole, 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 heating.
Ideal Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home
When you’re at 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 lots of families cozy, but also low enough to be energy efficient.
Effective Temperature Settings While You Are Away
The DOE states you can save approximately 10% on your home heating costs by decreasing 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 prolonged 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 arrive home, turn up the temperature bit by bit. 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.
Suggested Thermostat Settings While You Are Sleeping
The nice thing about sleep-time thermostat settings in the winter is that people sleep better when it’s a little colder. The National Sleep Foundation says somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the best temperature range for quality sleep.
More Methods to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter
There are many other ways you can utilize to consume less energy this winter while you heat your home. They include:
Evaluate your insulation levels
Insulate doors, windows and walls to reduce drafts, keep warm air inside and protect against heat loss. This will decrease the stress on your heating equipment and save energy.
Buy a programmable thermostat
Put in a programmable thermostat to regulate the temperature in your home effortlessly. Set lower temperatures when you're not home or asleep and increase them only when needed.
For even more savings, buy a smart thermostat that can sense when you are in or out and adjust the temperature appropriately. To learn more about these systems or for smart thermostat installation in Moline, get a hold of the skilled technicians at J.L. Brady Company 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 system. A well-maintained furnace runs more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and probably avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters on a regular basis to make sure your unit has proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Moline, call the team at J.L. Brady Company LLC. Our trained technicians will get your system in excellent working order!
Seal air leaks
Find and close off any air leaks in your home. Typical sites for leaks including 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 comfy temperature.
Update your HVAC system
If your heating system 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 highly efficient, which can significantly decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re contemplating investing in a new heating system, call the professionals at J.L. Brady Company LLC. We’re recognized for knowledgeable furnace installation in Moline and will help you choose a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 309-517-7511 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!
