
As winter approaches and the temperature dips, finding ways to save money on your heating bills becomes a top priority. One of the best strategies is modifying your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without compromising comfort.
With numerous 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 many ways to find the appropriate balance between warmth and savings.
Overall, a good rule of thumb 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 HVAC bills.
Ideal Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home
When you’re at home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) advises setting 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 Going to Be Out of Your Home
The DOE reports 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 wasting 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. That will keep your furnace running so you don’t have any frozen or burst pipes while you are away.
When you return to your home, increase the temperature bit by bit. That will keep your heating system from working too hard, which could happen if you raise the temperature on your thermostat really high right away.
Cost-Efficient Thermostat Settings While You Are Asleep
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 reports somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the best temperature range for good sleep.
Other Ways to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter
There are several 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 avoid heat loss. This will limit the pressure on your HVAC system and save energy.
Buy a programmable thermostat
Purchase a programmable thermostat to manage the temperature in your home effortlessly. Set lower temperatures when you're away or asleep and increase them only when needed.
For even more savings, install a smart thermostat that can detect when you are in or out and change the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these systems or for smart thermostat installation in Siloam Springs, consult with the skilled technicians at Siloam Springs Heating & AC. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can benefit your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.
H3: Arrange furnace maintenance:
Plan regular maintenance for your heating and cooling system. A well-maintained heating system operates more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters routinely to ensure proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Siloam Springs, call the team at Siloam Springs Heating & AC. We will get your system in top shape!
Seal air leaks
Detect and fill in any air leaks in your home. Frequent spots for leaks tend to be windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing these gaps blocks warm air from leaking out of your home, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfy temperature.
Upgrade 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 smart long-term option. Contemporary furnaces are extremely efficient, which can dramatically lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re contemplating investing in a new heating system, call the pros at Siloam Springs Heating & AC. We’re noted for knowledgeable furnace installation in Siloam Springs and will help you choose a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 479-308-8176 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!