As winter draws near and the temperature drops, finding ways to save money on your energy bills becomes a top priority. One of the simplest techniques is changing your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without sacrificing comfort.
With many options and techniques available, you can decrease your heating costs while still trying to keep your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are several ways to find the perfect balance between warmth and savings.
As a whole, a good rule is the lower the temperature in 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 HVAC bills.
Ideal 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 comfy, 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 HVAC costs by turning down your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By using this method, you’re not needlessly spending money heating your home while you’re not there.
Authorities say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone an extended 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 cause damage to your home while you're gone.
When you return to your home, increase the temperature bit by bit. That will keep your heating system from performing too hard, which could be the case if you raise the temperature on your thermostat really high right away.
Cost-Efficient Thermostat Settings While You Are in Bed for The Night
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 says somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the optimal temperature range for great sleep.
Additional Ways to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter
There are many other techniques you can employ so you consume less energy this winter while you heat your home. They include:
Examine your insulation levels
Insulate doors, windows and walls to minimize drafts, keep warm air inside and counter heat loss. This will limit 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 effectively. Set lower temperatures when you're out of your home or asleep and increase them only when required.
For even more savings, install a smart thermostat that can perceive when you are in or out and modify the temperature correctly. To learn more about these products or for smart thermostat installation in Wausau, consult with the skilled technicians at Gilray Heating and Cooling. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can improve 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 heating system runs more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters routinely to ensure proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Wausau, call the team at Gilray Heating and Cooling. Our trained technicians will get your system in top shape!
Seal air leaks
Locate and fill in any air leaks in your home. Common sites for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps stops warm air from leaking out of your home, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a sufficient 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 good long-term option. Modern furnaces are very efficient, which can considerably decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re interested in getting a new heating system, contact the professionals at Gilray Heating and Cooling. We’re recognized for skilled furnace installation in Wausau and will help you choose a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 715-301-0727 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!