With spring finally here, now is a great time to make some home improvements, especially in terms of improving energy efficiency. Follow these tips to save money and increase your comfort throughout the year.
Besides partnering with your liquid heating fuel company to replace low-efficiency heating equipment and schedule heating system maintenance in the spring, do your own self-audit to find areas where you can make improvements. Here are some suggestions:
Studies show that about nine out of ten people say they’ve rarely or never programmed their thermostat because they’re not sure how to do it. That’s a shame, considering that managing the temperature of your home is one of the easiest ways to save energy and lower both heating and cooling expenses. (Tip: Spend a little time watching “how-to” videos online).
Once you’re more comfortable programming your thermostat, follow this advice. In the spring and summer, the U.S. Energy Department recommends setting your central air conditioning system to 78°F when you’re at home. Program your A/C system to shut off 20-30 minutes before you leave home each day; return the temperature setting to normal comfort levels 20 to 30 minutes before you come home.
In the winter, the optimal setting is 68°F when you’re at home. Dial it down toward the 60°F range when you’re asleep or out of the house. The temperatures you ultimately choose will depend on factors like the outdoor temperature and your family’s comfort preferences. Remember, these are just guidelines.
If you don’t have a programmable thermostat, getting one is a smart move. When used correctly, it will pay for itself in just a short time. If you choose a Wi-Fi thermostat, you can control your home’s temperature from your smartphone.