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As winter approaches and the temperature falls, finding ways to save money on your heating bills becomes a top priority. One of the most effective strategies is modifying your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without losing comfort.
With numerous options and techniques available, it's possible to lower your heating costs while still making your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Regardless of whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are plenty of ways to find the appropriate balance between warmth and savings.
In general, a good guideline is the lower the temperature inside 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 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 approximately 10% on your HVAC costs by lowering your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By doing this, 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 long period of time, you can put your thermostat as low as 50 degrees. Doing this 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, turn up the temperature slowly. That will keep your heating system from performing too hard, which it could if you raise the temperature on your thermostat really high right away.
Suggested Thermostat Settings While You Are Asleep
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 best temperature range for good sleep.
Additional Methods to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter
There are several other ways 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 counter heat loss. This will decrease the workload on your HVAC system and save energy.
Set up a programmable thermostat
Put in a programmable thermostat to regulate the temperature in your home efficiently. Set lower temperatures when you're out of your home or asleep and increase them only when needed.
For even more savings, purchase a smart thermostat that can detect when you are in or out and change the temperature correctly. To learn more about these gadgets or for smart thermostat installation in Lexington, get a hold of the skilled technicians at James Heating & A/C, Inc. We can explain how smart thermostats can help your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.
H3: Schedule furnace maintenance:
Plan to hire someone to do regular maintenance for your heating system. A well-maintained heating system functions more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or replace air filters regularly to assure proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Lexington, call the team at James Heating & A/C, Inc. We will get your system in top shape!
Seal air leaks
Find and close off any air leaks in your home. Typical places for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps blocks warm air from escaping, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a sufficient 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 want, furnace replacement may be a smart long-term decision. Modern furnaces are extremely efficient, which can notably reduce your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re contemplating getting a new heating system, contact the pros at James Heating & A/C, Inc. We’re recognized for knowledgeable furnace installation in Lexington and will help you find a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 336-853-6070 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!