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As winter approaches and the temperature drops, finding ways to save money on your energy bills becomes a top priority. One of the simplest tips is modifying your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without compromising 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 plenty of ways to find the appropriate 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 heating.
Money-Saving 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 lots of families comfy, but also low enough to be energy efficient.
Effective Temperature Settings While You Not at Home
The DOE states you can save as much as 10% on your energy costs by decreasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. This way, you’re not throwing away 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 set your thermostat as low as 50 degrees. Doing this will keep your furnace running so you don’t have any frozen or burst pipes waiting for you when you get home.
When you return to your home, raise the temperature gradually. That will keep your heating system from running too hard, which it could if you raise the temperature on your thermostat very 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 quality sleep.
Other Tactics to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter
There are a number of other techniques you can utilize to consume less energy this winter while you heat your home. They include:
Evaluate your insulation levels
Insulate doors, windows and walls to minimize drafts, keep warm air inside and protect against heat loss. This will limit the workload on your HVAC system and save energy.
Install a programmable thermostat
Put in a programmable thermostat to control the temperature in your home efficiently. Set lower temperatures when you're out of your home or asleep and increase them only when needed.
For even more savings, buy a smart thermostat that can detect when you are in or out and change the temperature appropriately. To learn more about these products or for smart thermostat installation in Milledgeville and Middle Georgia, get a hold of the skilled technicians at Air Concepts of Middle Georgia. We can explain how smart thermostats can help your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.
H3: Plan furnace maintenance:
Plan to hire someone to do regular maintenance for your heating and cooling system. A well-maintained system operates more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters routinely to assure proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Milledgeville and Middle Georgia, call the team at Air Concepts of Middle Georgia. We will get your system in peak condition!
Seal air leaks
Detect and seal any air leaks in your home. Typical spots for leaks tend to be windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Plugging these gaps stops warm air from escaping, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a sufficient temperature.
Upgrade your HVAC system
If your furnace is old, inefficient or just isn’t able to keep your home as warm as you desire, furnace replacement may be an ideal long-term decision. Today’s furnaces are extremely efficient, which can notably lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re thinking about getting a new heating system, phone the specialists at Air Concepts of Middle Georgia. We’re noted for skilled furnace installation in Milledgeville and Middle Georgia and will help you choose a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 478-200-5689 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!