As winter approaches and the temperature falls, finding ways to save money on your power bills becomes a top priority. One of the simplest ways is adjusting your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without compromising comfort.
With several options and techniques available, it's possible to decrease 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 appropriate balance between warmth and savings.
Overall, a good rule is the lower the temperature within 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 monthly energy costs.
Money-Saving 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 most families comfortable, but also low enough to be energy efficient.
Effective Temperature Settings While You Going to Be Out of Your Home
The DOE states you can save as much as 10% on your HVAC costs by lowering your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. That way, you’re not wasting 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 cause damage to your home while you're gone.
When you return to your home, raise the temperature gradually. That will keep your heating system from working too hard, which could be the case if you raise the temperature on your thermostat very high right away.
Recommended 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 states somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the best temperature range for great sleep.
Other Methods to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter
There are many other approaches you can employ so you 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 decrease the stress on your HVAC system and save energy.
Buy a programmable thermostat
Purchase a programmable thermostat to manage the temperature in your home efficiently. Set lower temperatures when you're not home or asleep and increase them only when required.
For even more savings, install a smart thermostat that can detect when you are in or out and modify the temperature correctly. To learn more about these gadgets or for smart thermostat installation in Des Moines, contact the skilled technicians at Kohles & Bach Heating & Cooling. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can improve your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.
H3: Arrange furnace maintenance:
Schedule regular maintenance for your HVAC system. A well-maintained system operates more efficiently, decreasing energy consumption and probably avoiding costly repairs. Clean or replace air filters on a regular basis to ensure proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Des Moines, call the team at Kohles & Bach Heating & Cooling. Our trained technicians will get your system in peak condition!
Seal air leaks
Detect and fill in any air leaks in your home. Frequent places for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing these gaps prevents warm air from escaping, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a cozy temperature.
Upgrade your HVAC system
If your HVAC equipment is old, inefficient or just isn’t able to keep your home as warm as you want, furnace replacement may be an ideal 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 getting a new heating system, contact the specialists at Kohles & Bach Heating & Cooling. We’re known for knowledgeable furnace installation in Des Moines and will help you find a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 515-207-6569 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!