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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 best strategies is adjusting your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without losing comfort.
With numerous options and techniques available, it's possible to decrease your heating costs while still making your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are plenty of ways to find the ideal balance between warmth and savings.
Overall, 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 outside temperature, the more money you will save on your monthly energy costs.
Money-Saving Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home
When you’re around your 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 comfortable, but also low enough to be energy efficient.
Effective Temperature Settings While You Are Away
The DOE estimates you can save as much as 10% on your HVAC costs by decreasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. That way, you’re not throwing away 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 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 arrive home, turn up the temperature slowly. That will keep your heating system from running too hard, which could be the case if you raise the temperature on your thermostat quite high right away.
Suggested Thermostat Settings While You Are in Bed for The Night
The good 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 suggests somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the best temperature range for good sleep.
Other Methods to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter
There are several other approaches 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 reduce drafts, keep warm air inside and prevent heat loss. This will limit the pressure on your heating equipment and save energy.
Install a programmable thermostat
Put in a programmable thermostat to control the temperature in your home effectively. Set lower temperatures when you're not home or asleep and increase them only when necessary.
For even more savings, set up a smart thermostat that can sense when you are in or out and adjust the temperature appropriately. To learn more about these products or for smart thermostat installation in Safford, get a hold of the skilled technicians at B&D Air Conditioning. We can explain how smart thermostats can help your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.
H3: Plan furnace maintenance:
Schedule regular maintenance for your HVAC system. A well-maintained furnace runs more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and probably avoiding costly repairs. Clean or replace air filters routinely to assure proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Safford, call the team at B&D Air Conditioning. Our trained technicians will get your system in peak condition!
Seal air leaks
Find and close off any air leaks in your home. Frequent spots for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Plugging these gaps prevents warm air from escaping, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfortable 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. Today’s furnaces are extremely efficient, which can considerably reduce your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re considering getting a new heating system, contact the specialists at B&D Air Conditioning. We’re known for experienced furnace installation in Safford and will help you select a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 928-432-6018 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!