Texans look forward to the cooler temperatures of fall and winter every year, as the heat of the spring and summer weigh heavily on them. When those temperatures arrive, it is important to set thermostats of their home heating systems to maintain personal comfort while also maintaining efficiency. Having a fall and winter heating plan that is efficient is the key to saving energy as well as saving money.
Keeping the temperature in your home at a healthy setting is important. The US Department of Energy recommends the temperature to be set between the range of 68 and 78 degrees. You can maintain your comfort level and reap financial savings by making sure your HVAC system is energy efficient, as having a system that is certified by Energy Star helps keep the temperature of your home within the recommended range. You can decrease the workload of your home heating system by setting your thermostat at the low end of the range; keeping the temperature set as close to 68 degrees as possible lessens the overall energy output which helps keep your heating costs low. If you are worried about yourself or other family members who are easily chilled, you can relax: it is possible to still maintain a lower temperature if you offset that chill by wearing an extra layer of clothing and/or drinking a warm beverage, or simply by using a supplemental heating source like a small space heater as needed.
Even though the fall and winter generally have cooler temperatures that have you turning on your heat, you should know that keeping your home too warm can cause poor efficiency. This can occur due to poor humidity levels that arise as the heater dries out the indoor air. A low humidity level can be a major issue for homeowners; so, it is important to set your thermostat appropriately, as it regulates temperature and helps to control the relative humidity inside your home. Having your thermostat set within the recommended temperature range is important not only for your comfort but also for overall HVAC system performance.
Another way to make sure your home heating is efficient is to readjust your thermostat at certain times, such as when you are sleeping or away from your home. One thing that you might want to implement is a programmable thermostat, so you do not have to remember to change the temperature setting every evening before bed or every time you leave the house. Changing the temperature setting, either manually or via a programmable thermostat, will help to save energy and money. If you have a “smart” thermostat, you might even be eligible for rebates from your local utility company, resulting in even more money in your pocket.
WEICHERT, REALTORS® – The Place of Houses, located in Corpus Christi, Texas, is a team of licensed real estate professionals who can assist you with buying or selling your home along the Texas Gulf Coast. The team is committed to providing quality service to every client according to the needs and desires of each one. If you are looking for expert real estate guidance, please contact WEICHERT, REALTORS® – The Place of Houses online or by phone at 361-882-5588.
