With winter right around the corner, most of us will be turning on our heating systems to keep our homes warm and comfortable as the temperatures drop. But turning up the thermostat often goes hand in hand with higher energy bills.
So, is there a way to maintain your comfort and stillsave money on your energy bills throughout the winter?
It all depends on your thermostat.
According to the Department of Energy (DOE), the ideal thermostat temperature is 68° Fwhen you're at home. When you're away from home or asleep, lowering your thermostat by 10-15° for just 8 hours can reduce your heating bill by 5-15%.
In this blog, we'll talk more about winter-time thermostat settings, along with other tips to reduce heating costs while keeping your family warm throughout the winter months.
Ackerman Security is Atlanta's trusted leader in home automationand security. Call us at 800.552.1111 to learn how a smart thermostat can help you save on monthly utility bills with preset thermostat schedules that adjust your home's temperature automatically.
Ideal thermostat settings for your home
The best way to save energy is by choosing the most suitable temperature for your family to remain comfortable withoutneeding to constantly adjust your thermostat or turn your heating system on and off.
When it comes to heating your home, it's important to consider the following factors:
- The time of day
- How many people are home
- The size of your home
Everyone in your household may not agree on a thermostat temperature since everyone has a different comfort level. However, it's essential to choose a temperature that everyone can enjoy in order to reduce your energy usage.
According to the DOE, the ideal temperature for living spaces is around 70° F, while bedrooms should be kept slightly cooler at 68° F.This should be kept in mind when your family is home and awake. Since our body temperatures fluctuate while we're asleep, you can lower your temperature at night. If you're going to be out of your home for at least 2 hours, we recommend lowering your thermostat settings.
The lower you can set your thermostat (and still be comfortable), the better. According to ENERGY STAR, lowering your temperature by just 1° can actually save you 1% in your home's utility bills in just a few days. When your thermostat is set at a lower temperature, your heating system will work less and consume less energy, saving you money each month.
Invest in a smart thermostat
If you're worried about forgetting to change your thermostat settings each and every time you leave the house or before you go to bed, investing in a smart thermostatcould be your answer.
Smart thermostats make it much easier for homeowners to save energy and reduce monthly bills. They work by keeping your home's temperature as low as possible for as long as possible, based on a predetermined schedule.
You can program your smart thermostat with your desired temperature at various times of the day or week. Based on this information, the thermostat will automatically adjust to make sure your home is at your optimal temperature when you get home. And while you're away, it will work to save as much energy as possible.
The best part? You can control your thermostat from any smart device, so you'll always know what's happening at home.
Additionally, many smart thermostats are equipped with an "eco" or auto home/away feature which saves money by automatically raising or lowering the temperature based on the ambient conditions outside. Some smart thermostats have been shown to save homeowners up to 23% on yearly energy bills.
Keep your HVAC system maintained
Even if you have the best smart thermostat on the market and the ideal settings dialed in, if your HVAC system isn't operating properly, all of your efforts to save money could be in vain.
Professional HVAC maintenance plays a huge role in keeping your energy bills low and your family comfortable in the winter. With regular maintenance, a professional HVAC technician will check for faulty or broken parts, clean your filters, and more, which can prevent expensive and unexpected repairs or breakdowns.
Here are a few tips to keep your heating system working efficiently:
- Check your air filters. If your air filters are dirty, be sure to replace them.
- Make sure there are no obstructions to your vents.
- Schedule regular maintenance with a reputable HVAC contractor in your area.
Many people don't think about HVAC maintenance, but it's one of the simplest ways to see a dramatic improvement in your energy bill during the winter months.
Control your home with a smart thermostat today.
Smart thermostats are a great addition to your home on their own, but they're even better as part of an entire smart home security system. Not only do smart home security systems save money in the long run, but they also provide homeowners with a level of connectivity and comfort that a smart thermostat on its own simply can't provide. Call Ackerman at 800.552.1111 or schedule an instant security quote onlinetoday.