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As winter draws near and the temperature falls, finding ways to save money on your power bills becomes a top priority. One of the most effective ways is modifying your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without sacrificing comfort.
With many options and techniques available, homeowners can decrease your heating costs while still making your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Irrespective of whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are several ways to find the appropriate balance between warmth and savings.
As a whole, a good guideline is the lower the temperature in your home and the less difference there is between the air inside your home and the outdoor temperature, the more money you will save on heating.
Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home
When you’re around your home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) suggests putting 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 Not at Home
The DOE reports you can save as much as 10% on your heating costs by decreasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By doing this, 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 an extended period of time, you can set 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 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 very high right away.
Suggested Thermostat Settings While You Are in Bed for The Night
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 says somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the ideal temperature range for good sleep.
More Methods to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter
There are several other ways you can utilize to consume less energy this winter while you heat your home. They include:
Examine your insulation levels
Insulate doors, windows and walls to cut down on drafts, keep warm air inside and protect against heat loss. This will limit the pressure on your heating equipment and save energy.
Buy a programmable thermostat
Put in a programmable thermostat to regulate the temperature in your home effortlessly. 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 sense when you are in or out and adjust the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these devices or for smart thermostat installation in Saint Louis, consult with the skilled technicians at Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can help your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.
H3: Arrange furnace maintenance:
Schedule regular maintenance for your heating and cooling system. A well-maintained heating system runs more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters routinely to assure proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Saint Louis, call the team at Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating. Our specialists will get your system in peak condition!
Seal air leaks
Locate and seal any air leaks in your home. Frequent spots for leaks including windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps prevents warm air from seeping out, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a sufficient 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 want, furnace replacement may be an ideal long-term decision. Modern furnaces are very efficient, which can notably reduce your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re thinking about getting a new heating system, call the pros at Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating. We’re recognized for experienced furnace installation in Saint Louis and will help you find a unit that’s well suited for your home! Call 314-262-4541 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!