Energy Saving Tips
Maintaining a moderate temperature to heat your home this winter will not only keep your family warm enough indoors, but it can also save on energy bills and extend the life of your HVAC system. The best way to save energy and lower your monthly heating bills is to set your thermostat properly.
The Eight-Hour Tip
If you don’t work from home, turning off your thermostat during the workday can mean you can save on your electricity bill. According to the US Department of Energy, you can save up to 15% in energy costs annually by lowering your thermostat by 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours a day. This can be done while sleeping or while away from home during the day.
The 68-Degree Tip
You can also easily save energy in the winter by setting your thermostat to around 68 degrees Fahrenheit when you’re awake and lowering it when you’re sleeping or going out. Setting the thermostat to one temperature and never changing it doesn’t help your energy bill.
Install a Smart Thermostat
Install a smart programmable thermostat to help you keep the temperature low while you’re away (or sleeping) and warmer while you’re at home. If not a smart thermostat, a programmable thermostat will allow you to automatically adjust the temperature in your home at specific times throughout the day.
Multi-Zone Heating and Cooling Systems
Multi-zone heating and cooling systems allow homeowners to adjust HVAC systems to different comfortable temperatures in different home areas. Each zone has its thermostat, so you can maintain different temperatures to suit the needs of different zones in your home.
If Your Home Is Empty
If you plan to leave your home for long periods in the winter, you can keep the thermostat set to at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit without risk of damage to pipes or belongings. Set it higher, though, if you expect temperatures to be particularly cold when your home is empty.
Contact Hawk Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning if you need assistance installing smart technology or updating existing equipment to make your home more energy efficient this winter.