As winter approaches and the temperature falls, finding ways to save money on your power bills becomes a top priority. One of the most effective ways is changing your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without compromising comfort.
With numerous options and techniques available, you 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 many ways to find the ideal balance between warmth and savings.
As a whole, a good rule of thumb 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 at home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recommends setting your thermostat to between 68°F and 70°F in the winter. That’s warm enough to keep the majority of families comfortable, but also low enough to be energy efficient.
Effective Temperature Settings While You Are Away
The DOE states you can save as much as 10% on your heating costs by lowering your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. That way, you’re not needlessly spending money heating your home while you’re not there.
Industry professionals 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 waiting for you when you get home.
When you get back to your house, turn up the temperature little by little. That will keep your heating system from working too hard, which could be the case if you raise the temperature on your thermostat very high right away.
Cost-Efficient Thermostat Settings While You Are Sleeping
The nice thing about sleep-time thermostat settings in the winter is that people get good sleep when it’s a little colder. The National Sleep Foundation suggests somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the best temperature range for quality sleep.
Additional Ways to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter
There are several other techniques 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 prevent heat loss. This will minimize the stress on your HVAC system and save energy.
Buy a programmable thermostat
Put in a programmable thermostat to regulate the temperature in your home effectively. Set lower temperatures when you're out of your home or asleep and increase them only when needed.
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 systems or for smart thermostat installation in Winnipeg, get a hold of the skilled technicians at Kirkfield Heating & Air Conditioning. We can tell you how smart thermostats can improve your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.
H3: Plan furnace maintenance:
Plan to hire someone to do regular maintenance for your HVAC system. A well-maintained system functions more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and probably avoiding costly repairs. Clean or replace air filters routinely to make sure your unit has proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Winnipeg, call the team at Kirkfield Heating & Air Conditioning. Our trained technicians will get your system in top shape!
Seal air leaks
Find and close off any air leaks in your home. Common sites for leaks including windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps stops warm air from seeping out, 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 need, furnace replacement may be a good long-term option. Modern furnaces are extremely efficient, which can dramatically decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re thinking about getting a new heating system, call the pros at Kirkfield Heating & Air Conditioning. We’re known for experienced furnace installation in Winnipeg and will help you pick a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 204-272-8128 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!
