The setting on your HVAC thermostat has a profound affect on both your comfort and your heating bill. In fact, turning your thermostat back 10 or 15 degrees for just eight hours a day could save you up to 15 percent per year on your heating bill. To ensure that your thermostat is at the right setting this winter, follow these steps.
Check Your Home’s Insulation
Before you start thinking about adjusting your thermostat, call an HVAC professional and have them inspect your home’s insulation. If there is a draft in any room of your house, the HVAC professional can apply caulking and weatherstripping to the doors, windows, and cracks in the wall or ceiling. Also, invest in heavy drapes that will improve heat insulation at night.
Use a Programmable Thermostat
If you don’t already have a programmable thermostat, call your local HVAC company to install one before winter. Program the thermostat to a lower temperature, such as 56°F, when the house is empty or when everyone in the house is asleep. Re-heating your home is less energy intensive than keeping your home at a warmer temperature. Program the thermostat to return to a more comfortable temperature, such as 68°F, one hour before someone is expected to come home.
Consider Less Expensive Ways to Stay Warm
If you, a roommate, or a family member is cold in the home, there are several ways to generate heat without using the heater. Invest in an electric heating blanket for the couch and a thick wool blanket for sleeping. Use a space heater to generate more heat in a certain room, and remember to make a hot beverage and put on an extra sweater when you get cold, rather than raising the temperature on the thermostat.
If you don’t already have a programmable thermostat, call your local HVAC company to install one before winter. Program the thermostat to a lower temperature, such as 56°F, when the house is empty or when everyone in the house is asleep. Re-heating your home is less energy intensive than keeping your home at a warmer temperature. Program the thermostat to return to a more comfortable temperature, such as 68°F, one hour before someone is expected to come home.
Consider Less Expensive Ways to Stay Warm
If you, a roommate, or a family member is cold in the home, there are several ways to generate heat without using the heater. Invest in an electric heating blanket for the couch and a thick wool blanket for sleeping. Use a space heater to generate more heat in a certain room, and remember to make a hot beverage and put on an extra sweater when you get cold, rather than raising the temperature on the thermostat.
Presidential Heating & Air Conditioning is a locally owned and operated HVAC company with more than 30 years of experience serving the Montgomery County area. To learn about how we can make your home more comfortable and energy efficient before winter, call us at (301) 900-5559 or visit our website.