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As winter draws near and the temperature drops, finding ways to save money on your power bills becomes a top priority. One of the simplest strategies is changing your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without losing comfort.
With several options and techniques available, homeowners can lower 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 several ways to find the perfect balance between warmth and savings.
Overall, a good guideline 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.
Ideal Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home
When you’re around your 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 the majority 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 up to 10% on your energy costs by lowering 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.
Industry professionals say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone a prolonged period of time, you can adjust 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 get back to your house, turn up the temperature little by little. That will keep your heating system from performing too hard, which could happen if you raise the temperature on your thermostat quite high right away.
Suggested Thermostat Settings While You Are in Bed for The Night
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 says somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the ideal temperature range for great sleep.
Additional Techniques to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter
There are many other techniques 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 minimize drafts, keep warm air inside and avoid heat loss. This will minimize the pressure on your furnace and save energy.
Buy a programmable thermostat
Purchase a programmable thermostat to control the temperature in your home efficiently. Set lower temperatures when you're away or asleep and increase them only when necessary.
For even more savings, purchase a smart thermostat that can perceive when you are in or out and adjust the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these products or for smart thermostat installation in Norco and St. Charles Parish, get a hold of the skilled technicians at Mayeuxs AC & Heating. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can improve your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.
H3: Schedule furnace maintenance:
Plan regular maintenance for your HVAC system. A well-maintained furnace operates more efficiently, decreasing energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters regularly to ensure proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Norco and St. Charles Parish, call the team at Mayeuxs AC & Heating. Our trained technicians will get your system in excellent working order!
Seal air leaks
Locate and close off any air leaks in your home. Typical spots for leaks tend to be 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.
Improve 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 smart long-term decision. Contemporary furnaces are extremely efficient, which can dramatically decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re thinking about upgrading to a new heating system, call the specialists at Mayeuxs AC & Heating. We’re noted for skilled furnace installation in Norco and St. Charles Parish and will help you find a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call (985) 764-2426 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!