Estes Services helps our Atlanta area homeowners save money on their heating bills with insider tips including the best fall thermostat settings. The right fall thermostat settings lower energy consumption and reduce your utility expenses without sacrificing comfort.
In this blog, we'll cover how to set your thermostat for fall, how to set thermostats when you're not home and what to do to save money on your heating system this winter.
Save Energy and Money with These Fall Thermostat Settings
Keep indoor temperatures at the best fall thermostat settings to lower energy bills throughout the season. These fall thermostat settings help your heating system uses less energy while your home stays nice and warm.
- When your home is occupied, 68 degrees is the ideal fall thermostat setting. If this feels too cool, throw on a sweater or use a blanket before you turn up the thermostat. If it's a sunny day, leave the blinds or curtains open before you turn up the thermostat.
- When you leave home, turn fall thermostat settings to 58 degrees. Far less energy is wasted on unnecessary heating for an empty house at this setpoint. Don't turn off the heat because it requires more energy consumption to reheat the home upon return.
- Overnight, lower fall thermostat settings by 7-10 degrees. You are less likely to notice the temperature difference while asleep and cozy under heavy blankets. When you lower fall thermostat settings by 7-10 degrees for periods of eight hours, you save up to 10 percent on heating costs!
Too Chilly? Try These Tactics
Instead of temperature adjustments to add warmth, try these tips for better comfort!
- Upgrade your thermostat
- Use ceiling fans
- Utilize solar energy
Upgrade Your Thermostat
A new thermostat provides better control over HVAC equipment and more efficient energy consumption to help you lower heating costs.
Programmable Thermostats
A programmable thermostat allows you to program fall thermostat settings based on your schedule. Set fall thermostat settings at 68 degrees to start 15 minutes before you wake and before you arrive home to raise temperatures without energy waste. Overnight and while you're gone, start setbacks about 15 minutes before you leave and go to bed.
WiFi Thermostats
A WiFi-programmable thermostat connects to your home's WiFi connection for effortless control over household heating. Adjust fall thermostat settings from your connected mobile device, wherever you are! Models are available with voice control, online portals with energy use data, and more great features.
Smart Thermostats
Smart thermostats learn your household's schedule and automatically adjust fall thermostat settings for the highest efficiency and comfort. Log in to the thermostat's app to see energy consumption data and savings!
Ceiling Fans Keep Air Moving
Set ceiling fans to rotate clockwise during winter. Run them at low speed only when rooms are occupied to create an updraft that pushes warm air back down to occupied spaces.
Passive Solar Strategies
- Keep window coverings open during the daytime in rooms that receive ample sunlight exposure. Close blinds and curtains once the sun goes down or on cloudy days.
- Use insulating window coverings to prevent heat loss through contact with cold glass panes.
- Keep doors and windows closed tight to stop cold drafts.
Get the Best HVAC Performance with Regular Maintenance
Regular Tune Ups
Your heating system needs a tune up each year to ensure it operates at the best energy efficiency and performance levels within its capabilities. Ideally, schedule your tune up in the fall, but if it's already creeping into winter, a tune up is still beneficial! Your furnace, heat pump, or ductless heating system receives the professional maintenance care it needs to deliver maximum comfort with lower energy use.
Filter Changes
In the fall, more frequent filter changes are needed as your heating system runs more and more. Filters last anywhere from one month to one year depending on the type, MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) rating, and system usage. Check your filter once per month - is it covered in dust? If you are unable to see the filter media's surface, it's time to change it. If you have smokers, pets, or members of the household with allergies or asthma, a monthly change is probably best.
Good Airflow
Make sure all vents are open and unblocked throughout your home. This ensures your living areas receive optimal heating and prevent excess energy use by your heating system when airflow is blocked.
Stay Cozy with Estes All Fall
For the professional HVAC repairs and maintenance you need to stay comfortable indoors as temperatures drop, call Estes Services! Our NATE-certified technicians perform installation, repair, and preventive maintenance work to ensure your furnace or heat pump keeps you nice and cozy.
