Homeowners may experience higher energy bills due to the increased use of heating systems during the colder months. This is especially true for those who live in areas with harsh winters, where heating costs may be higher than cooling expenses during the summer. People usually tend to spend more time at home during the winter, which can lead to increased energy consumption. The shorter days, longer, darker nights and holiday celebrations may also contribute to higher energy use.
However, there are ways to reduce your heating expenses and keep your home warm and comfortable without breaking the bank. Honest Air suggests implementing the following winter energy saving tips for your thermostat.
Adjust Your Thermostat to Match the Seasons
During the winter, you can set your thermostat to a lower temperature to help save on heating costs. This can be especially helpful when you are away from home or asleep, as you can turn down the thermostat to a more energy-efficient temperature without sacrificing your comfort.
On the other hand, a higher thermostat setting during the summer months can save on air conditioning costs. Setting your thermostat to a higher temperature and using fans or other cooling methods can keep your home comfortable while saving energy.
It is important to remember that the optimal temperature for your thermostat may vary depending on your personal preferences and the specific needs of your home. Experimenting with different thermostat settings can help you find the best balance between comfort and energy efficiency.
Use a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat allows you to automate your home’s temperature settings. It automatically adjusts the temperature when you are not home or asleep.
Programmable thermostats often have remote access, allowing you to adjust the temperature from your smartphone or another device. This comes in handy when you are away from home or forget to adjust the thermostat before leaving.
Ensure the Thermostat is Centrally Located
Proper placement of your thermostat can greatly impact its accuracy and energy efficiency. It is important to locate your thermostat in a central location, away from heat sources or drafts. This will ensure an accurate reading of the winter indoor temperature, allowing it to control your HVAC more effectively.
A thermostat near a heat source or draft may receive incorrect temperature readings, causing it to unnecessarily turn your HVAC system on or off. Not only can this lead to higher energy bills, but reduced comfort in your home as well.
Implement Heating Zones
Zone heating is a technique that involves dividing your home into different areas or “zones” and heating each zone separately. This can be an effective way to save energy and reduce your heating costs, as it allows you to heat only the areas of your home that are in use rather than heating your entire home to the same temperature.
One way to implement zone heating in your home is by using separate thermostats for each zone. This allows you to set a different temperature for different zones, depending on your needs and preferences. For example, you might set a higher temperature in your living room and keep the temperature low in the guest room.
Another option for implementing zone heating is using smart thermostats or smart heating systems. These systems allow you to control the temperature of each zone remotely by using a smartphone or other device. They often use sensors to adjust the temperature accordingly, saving energy when the area is unoccupied.
Honest Air is Here to Help
One of the best ways to keep your heating bills low is to keep up with heater maintenance. Routine heater repair at the start of the heating season will ensure efficiency and reduce your winter heating bills. Contact us to schedule your heater maintenance today!