You want to stay warm this winter, but you don’t want to go broke in the effort. There’s no question that heating your home on the coldest days of winter can make your energy bill go up, up, up. But you can also take steps toward boosting your heater efficiency this winter.
How, you ask? Well, heater maintenance is a good place to start. And if you need heater maintenance in Weatherford, TX, our team can help. It may not get as cold in our area as it does up north, but you still expect your heater to work its best when you need it to. The good news is, you can strike a balance between heating your home and saving money on your energy bill with these tips.
Create a Heating Schedule
You can do this manually, or you can create a heating schedule using a smart thermostat. Let’s face it, you have enough on your plate without setting reminders to turn your heater up or down at certain times of the day. Plus, it’s too easy to forget. If you don’t already have a smart thermostat, investing in one can save you a lot on your monthly energy bills.
You can create settings for a lower temperature in your home during the day while you’re at work. Then before you come home, your thermostat can increase the heat again to reach a comfortable temperature for your arrival. You can also change the settings if you plan to be away for an extended time for travel. And the best news is, you can control your smart thermostat from your phone so you can manually change any settings when you need to.
Adjust the Temperature Settings
It’s pleasant to come in from outside on a cold day to a nice, warm home. But how high is your heat setting on your thermostat in the winter? You can save hundreds of dollars per year on your energy bills by lowering the heat settings so your home isn’t quite as warm.
In fact, the US Department of Energy recommends that residents set their thermostat to a maximum temperature of 68°F in the winter. Every degree lower that you go is more energy—and money!—that you save. If 68°F is cooler than you’re used to, start by lowering your thermostat a degree or two until you adjust, and then continue lowering it as far as you’re comfortable to maximize your savings.
Bundle Up
If lowering the temperature in your home concerns you, remember that there are other ways to stay warm in the winter. You can add layers using socks, sweaters, and blankets. During the day you can open curtains to let the sunshine in for some natural warmth. Remember you can always increase the temperature if it’s still too cold after trying these bundling tips.
Maximize Insulation
When you warm your home, you want that warm air to stay inside without escaping. You can check the insulation in your attic to make sure it is adequate and have more added if needed. Also, check your doors and windows for cracks or breaks in the seals that allow air to escape. Insulating your doors and windows is perhaps the best way to keep heat inside your home and maximize your energy use.
Contact Don’s AC Service, Inc today for your HVAC and indoor air quality needs!