As winter draws near and the temperature dips, finding ways to save money on your energy bills becomes a top priority. One of the simplest ways is adjusting your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without compromising comfort.
With numerous options and techniques available, it's possible to decrease 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 perfect balance between warmth and savings.
In general, 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 outside temperature, the more money you will save on your HVAC bills.
Money-Saving Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home
When you’re at home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) advises putting 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 Not at Home
The DOE states you can save approximately 10% on your energy costs by decreasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. That way, you’re not needlessly spending 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 set your thermostat as low as 50 degrees. That will keep your furnace running so you don’t have any frozen or burst pipes waiting for you when you get home.
When you return to your home, increase the temperature little by little. That will keep your heating system from working too hard, which it could if you raise the temperature on your thermostat really high right away.
Suggested Thermostat Settings While You Are Sleeping
The good 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 good sleep.
More Ways 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:
Evaluate your insulation levels
Insulate doors, windows and walls to minimize drafts, keep warm air inside and counter heat loss. This will minimize the workload on your heating equipment and save energy.
Set up a programmable thermostat
Put in a programmable thermostat to manage the temperature in your home conveniently. Set lower temperatures when you're out of your home or asleep and increase them only when necessary.
For even more savings, purchase a smart thermostat that can sense when you are in or out and adjust the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these devices or for smart thermostat installation in Manassas, contact the skilled technicians at Fire & Ice HVAC. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can improve your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.
H3: Schedule furnace maintenance:
Plan to hire someone to do regular maintenance for your heating and cooling system. A well-maintained system functions more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and probably avoiding costly repairs. Clean or replace air filters on a regular basis to make sure your unit has proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Manassas, call the team at Fire & Ice HVAC. We will get your system in top shape!
Seal air leaks
Detect and seal any air leaks in your home. Common sites for leaks including windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing these gaps stops warm air from escaping, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfy temperature.
Update your HVAC system
If your furnace 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 option. Contemporary furnaces are highly efficient, which can considerably decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re thinking about upgrading to a new heating system, contact the pros at Fire & Ice HVAC. We’re noted for knowledgeable furnace installation in Manassas and will help you choose a unit that’s well suited for your home! Call 703-595-4157 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!