As winter approaches and the temperature falls, finding ways to save money on your energy bills becomes a top priority. One of the most effective ways is modifying your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without sacrificing comfort.
With several options and techniques available, homeowners can lower your heating costs while still keeping your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are plenty of ways to find the appropriate 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.
Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home
When you’re going to be 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 the majority of families comfy, 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 home heating costs by decreasing 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 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 while you are away.
When you arrive home, raise the temperature bit by bit. That will keep your heating system from running too hard, which could be the case if you raise the temperature on your thermostat really high right away.
Suggested Thermostat Settings While You Are Sleeping
The nice thing about sleep-time thermostat settings in the winter is that people generally sleep well when it’s a little colder. The National Sleep Foundation states somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the ideal temperature range for quality sleep.
Other Tactics to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter
There are a number of 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 avoid heat loss. This will decrease the workload on your HVAC system and save energy.
Buy a programmable thermostat
Put in 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, set up a smart thermostat that can perceive when you are in or out and change the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these gadgets or for smart thermostat installation in Hasbrouck Heights, contact the skilled technicians at ACE Solutions. We can tell you 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 furnace operates more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or replace air filters on a regular basis to assure proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Hasbrouck Heights, call the team at ACE Solutions. Our trained technicians will get your system in excellent working order!
Seal air leaks
Detect and seal any air leaks in your home. Frequent places for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing these gaps blocks warm air from escaping, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfy temperature.
Improve 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 decision. Modern furnaces are very efficient, which can significantly lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re considering upgrading to a new heating system, contact the pros at ACE Solutions. We’re recognized for skilled furnace installation in Hasbrouck Heights and will help you pick a unit that’s well suited for your home! Call 201-582-2806 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!