One of the loveliest sights to see each year is the first snowfall of the season! And we've all heard that legendary Bing Crosby sing about dreaming of a "white Christmas." Of course, the less glamorous side of a lovely white winter is the frigid cold that comes with it.
Cranking on the heater every winter can raise your energy bill, putting a strain on your finances. Here are our three tips for heating your home this winter without breaking the bank!
1. Find The Perfect Temperature
The purpose of any HVAC system is to keep the climate in your home comfortable. That means cooling it down during the summer, and of course, warming it in the winter. But did you know that there is actually a temperature range that is ideal for both comfort and wellness?
To make the most of your HVAC system’s heat this winter, keep your home between 68 and 72 degrees during the day (or when there are people actively moving around the house), and between 58 and 62 degrees at night (or when there is no one home).
You can combat the night chill with warm flannel sheets. Science has proven that sleeping in lower temperatures promotes deeper and more restful sleep. These temperatures are also warm enough that they will keep your pipes from freezing when you are asleep or not at home.
2. Get to Know Your Thermostat
There is a range of thermostats available nowadays, but they all serve the same function: to communicate to your HVAC system when it is time to turn on and when it is time to turn off, in order to regulate the temperature in your house.
The most basic type of thermostat is a manual or mechanical thermostat. You just switch it on to the desired temperature, and it will communicate to your HVAC unit to turn on. The thermostat will not move or tell the unit to turn off until the switch is flipped back to off, much like a light switch.
There are also digital mechanical thermostats that have a digital readout that is easier to see. Programmable thermostats are widely popular because of the convenience they offer. You can set your thermostat to the desired temperature, and it will automatically tell your HVAC unit to turn on or off in order to maintain the programmed temperature. Some thermostats can be programmed to different temperatures on different days, which is ideal for places of work or weekend homes.
3. Watch Your Electric Bill go Down!
Being responsible about how and when you heat your home can save you a substantial amount on your monthly energy bills.
While you may think that 58 degrees is too cold a temperature to keep you comfortable, remember that the hotter the air inside your home, the faster that thermal energy will transfer to the outside.
Keeping your home at the “ideal” temperatures previously mentioned can save you from throwing away money on wasted heat! The Plumbing Service Company is proud to provide heating services across Greensboro all winter long! Give us a call at (336) 502-8540 for all your home heating needs! Have another tip for home heating during the winter? Leave it in the comments below to help someone else out!