As winter draws near and the temperature dips, finding ways to save money on your heating bills becomes a top priority. One of the most effective techniques is changing your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without sacrificing 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. Regardless of whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are many ways to find the perfect balance between warmth and savings.
As a whole, a good rule of thumb is the lower the temperature inside 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 heating.
Ideal Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home
When you’re going to be home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recommends 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 estimates you can save as much as 10% on your home heating costs by turning down your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. This 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 put 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 arrive home, raise the temperature gradually. That will keep your heating system from running too hard, which could happen if you raise the temperature on your thermostat very high right away.
Cost-Efficient Thermostat Settings While You Are Asleep
The good news about sleep-time thermostat settings in the winter is that people sleep better when it’s a little colder. The National Sleep Foundation reports somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the ideal temperature range for great sleep.
Other Tactics to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter
There are several 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 protect against heat loss. This will limit the workload on your furnace and save energy.
Set up a programmable thermostat
Purchase a programmable thermostat to control the temperature in your home effectively. Set lower temperatures when you're not home or asleep and increase them only when necessary.
For even more savings, install a smart thermostat that can perceive when you are in or out and change the temperature appropriately. To learn more about these gadgets or for smart thermostat installation in West Columbia, consult with the skilled technicians at Tri City Fuel & Heating. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can benefit your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.
H3: Arrange furnace maintenance:
Schedule regular maintenance for your heating and cooling system. A well-maintained system functions more efficiently, decreasing energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters on a regular basis to assure proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in West Columbia, call the team at Tri City Fuel & Heating. Our specialists will get your system in excellent working order!
Seal air leaks
Find and close off any air leaks in your home. Common places for leaks tend to be 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 cozy 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 need, furnace replacement may be a good long-term solution. Contemporary furnaces are highly efficient, which can considerably reduce your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re interested in investing in a new heating system, contact the professionals at Tri City Fuel & Heating. We’re recognized for experienced furnace installation in West Columbia and will help you select a unit that’s well suited for your home! Call 803-265-4208 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!
