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As winter draws near and the temperature falls, finding ways to save money on your heating bills becomes a top priority. One of the simplest tips is modifying your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without sacrificing comfort.
With numerous options and techniques available, homeowners can decrease your heating costs while still trying to keep your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Regardless of whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are several ways to find the ideal balance between warmth and savings.
As a whole, a good rule 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.
Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home
When you’re at home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recommends putting 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 estimates you can save as much as 10% on your energy costs by turning down your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. This 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 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 while you are away.
When you arrive home, raise the temperature bit by bit. That will keep your heating system from performing too hard, which could be the case if you raise the temperature on your thermostat really high right away.
Cost-Efficient 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 reports somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the best temperature range for quality sleep.
More Methods 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:
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 stress on your furnace and save energy.
Buy a programmable thermostat
Install a programmable thermostat to control the temperature in your home efficiently. Set lower temperatures when you're away or asleep and increase them only when necessary.
For even more savings, install a smart thermostat that can perceive when you are in or out and change the temperature correctly. To learn more about these devices or for smart thermostat installation in Los Angeles, contact the skilled technicians at AZ Air Conditioning and Heating. We can explain how smart thermostats can improve your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.
H3: Arrange furnace maintenance:
Plan regular maintenance for your heating system. A well-maintained heating system functions more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters routinely to make sure your unit has proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Los Angeles, call the team at AZ Air Conditioning and Heating. Our trained technicians will get your system in top shape!
Seal air leaks
Detect and close off any air leaks in your home. Frequent sites for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps blocks warm air from leaking out of your home, 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 desire, furnace replacement may be a smart long-term option. Modern day furnaces are highly efficient, which can notably decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re considering getting a new heating system, contact the pros at AZ Air Conditioning and Heating. We’re known for knowledgeable furnace installation in Los Angeles and will help you pick a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 800-296-5088 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!