When it comes to your winter heating bill, there are several ways to save money. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, it is possible to save up to 10-12% a year on energy bills by being conservative with thermostat settings year-round. Here, Fritts Heating & Air discusses thermostats, settings and ways to save money this season.
Understanding The ‘On’ vs ‘Auto Thermostat Settings
- The ‘On’ setting means that your thermostat is always on and will keep the temperature at the level you set it to. This will keep your home or business at a specific temperature. Using the ‘on’ setting can lead to higher energy bills since your furnace or air conditioner will constantly be running.
- The ‘Auto’ setting means that your thermostat will turn on when it senses that the temperature in your home has decreased below the level you set, and it will turn off when it senses that the temperature has increased above that level. This is a good option if you want to save money on your energy bill.
optimal thermostat temperature Settings during winter
According to the Department of Energy, setting your thermostat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter helps slow down heat loss. This is typically for homes with a regular furnace or baseboard heating system. Some homeowners may prefer to set the thermostat higher, at around 70 degrees, and that’s okay.
thermostat Placement
It’s important that you install your thermostat in the right location to prevent inaccurate temperature readings. These are called ‘ghost readings’. A thermostat can run unnecessarily if placed in the wrong location. Such things as drafts, sunlight, doorways and blocking furniture all can alter or trigger a thermostat. The best place to locate a thermostat is on an interior wall that has the natural airflow in the home.
Adjust Your Thermostat During The day
Turning the thermostat down during the workday can save you money on your energy bill. With that being said, if you work from home or have pets, set the thermostat to a temperature that will be comfortable. If you leave your pets at home then setting a cooler temperature is better. Another ideal time to lower the indoor temperature is while you sleep.
Perform Routine Maintenance
Regardless of how you set the thermostat, if your furnace works inefficiently, you will be losing money. Make sure to have proper maintenance done on your HVAC system routinely. Include the following:
- Get your furnace serviced once a year to make sure it’s in working order. Preferably in the fall before the cold weather.
- Check window and door frames for broken seals and leaks. Consider upgrading to energy-efficient windows.
- Take advantage of natural sunlight. Let nature heat your home with sun exposure.
- Install a smart thermostat.
Install a programmable thermostat
Consider investing in a programmable thermostat that automatically adjusts the temperature in your home. Programmable thermostats are ideal for people always on the go and tech-savvy individuals. Helpful features include settings that automatically detect your absence and lower the thermostat temperature while you’re gone. Also the ability to monitor and adjust the temperature from your smartphone. These smart-systems will learn your habits and adjust your settings to maximize your HVAC system while also saving you the most amount of money.
Call Fritts Heating & Air Today
At Fritts Heating & Air, we’re not comfortable until you are. That means keeping you warm during the winter months and providing you with prompt and professional heating system repair services when you need us. We repair all brands of residential and commercial heating systems. Let us keep your home or business warm with our expert heating system repair services. When you first notice that your furnace is not working or keeping your home or business warm appropriately, it’s best to call the furnace repair experts at Fritts Heating & Air. Our highly trained HVAC technicians will inspect, service, and repair your heating unit. We offer our customers more than two decades of experience within the HVAC industry. We also have HVAC financing options available.