Air Conditioning
AC Repair San Antonio, TX

How do you ensure your energy bills are low and your home stays safe when you’re away? By turning down your heat when you’re gone, you can save on your energy bills and reduce the fire risk in your home. Just how low is low enough?

Why Lower the Heat?

The less energy you use to heat your home, the less you will pay for heating costs. In addition, decreasing your energy consumption helps to reduce your carbon footprint and the overall demand for energy, which is beneficial for the environment.

Factors That Affect How Low You Can Turn Down Your Heat

Here are four factors that determine how low you can safely turn down your heat:

1. Type of Heating System

Understanding your heating system is the first step to determining how low you can turn down your heat when you are away from home. The various heating system types include forced air, radiant, and heat pumps. Each system has its own parameters and limitations, so it’s crucial to know which one you have to determine how low you can safely turn down your heat.

If you need clarification on what type of heating system you have, contact us at Air Authority, A Riteway Service Company in San Antonio. Our team of experts will evaluate your heating system and help you determine your optimal away-from-home temperature.

2. Age of Your Heating System

Another factor to consider when deciding how low you can turn down your heat is the age of your heating system. Older heating systems may be unable to handle large temperature swings and malfunction if the heat is too low. On the other hand, modern heating systems are typically designed to adapt to these temperature changes, allowing you to turn down your heat to a lower setting while you’re away.

If you have an older heating system and are unsure of its limitations, it may be worth scheduling a maintenance check with Air Authority, A Riteway Service Company. Our technicians will estimate your system’s age and provide recommendations on how low you can safely turn down your heat when you’re away for the day.

3. The Climate in Your Area

The climate in your area can also play a role in determining how low you can turn down your heat when you’re not at home. If you live in a mild climate, like we do in San Antonio, you can reduce your heat to a lower setting without any issues. However, if you live in an area with harsh winters, you may need to keep your heat set to a higher temperature to ensure that your home stays warm enough to prevent household damage during your absence.

4. Insulation in Your Home

Your home’s level of insulation can also dictate how low you can set your heat when you’re away. If your home is well insulated, it will retain heat better, allowing you to turn your heat down to a lower setting without any issues. On the other hand, if your home is in need of an insulation upgrade, it may struggle to retain heat, meaning that you may need to keep your heat set to a higher temperature to ensure that your home stays warm. If you’re unsure about the amount of insulation in your home, we recommend reaching out to a heating and cooling professional for an insulation assessment.

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for an Empty Home?

The ideal temperature range for an empty home is between 50 F and 55 F. This temperature range is low enough to reduce energy consumption and save money but high enough to prevent damage to your home. If you set the temperature too high while you’re away, you’ll be using more energy and paying more for heating costs with nobody in the home to benefit from the toasty temperature.

The risk of your pipes freezing increases at temperatures below 50 F. Frozen pipes can cause severe damage to your plumbing system and lead to costly repairs. In addition, low temperatures can cause structural damage to your home, such as the warping of floors or cracking of walls.

Tips for Lowering Your Heating Costs

There are several steps you can take to lower your heating costs while you’re away from home:

1. Invest in a Smart Thermostat

A smart thermostat is an excellent purchase to help you lower your heating costs. This tech-savvy option allows you to control your home’s temperature from anywhere using your smartphone or tablet. You can also set the temperature to adjust automatically when you’re away from home, such as when you’re at work, ensuring that you’re not using energy to heat an empty house.

2. Seal Air Leaks

Air leaks around windows and doors can cause a significant amount of heat to escape from your home. By sealing these leaks, you can reduce the energy you need to heat your home, lower your heating costs, and improve the overall comfort of your home, even while you’re away.

3. Install Insulated Windows

If your windows are older or poorly insulated, consider installing new, energy-efficient windows. Insulated windows help reduce heat loss and keep your home warm, even when the temperature outside is low or when your thermostat is set to your away-from-home temperature.

4. Use a Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat is an alternative to a smart thermostat that allows you to automatically adjust the temperature in your home at specific times of the day. For example, you can select the temperature to be lower when you’re away from home and higher when you’re in for the night. Doing this can help you save money on your heating bill while ensuring that your home is comfortable when you’re there.

5. Insulate Your Home

Insulating your home can help to keep it warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Doing this can maximize your HVAC system’s performance, reduce your energy bill and improve the overall comfort of your home. A home energy audit can help you determine if an insulation replacement is a worthwhile investment that will save you money in the long run.

Contact Air Authority, A Riteway Service Company for More Information

In conclusion, turning down your heat when you’re away from home is a simple and effective way to put more money in your pocket. With the right tools and information, you can easily keep your home at the ideal temperature, even when you’re not there.

At Air Authority, A Riteway Service Company, we are experts in HVAC installation, maintenance, and repair for traditional furnaces and air conditioners, as well as ductless systems. We offer various services, including thermostat installation, air duct cleaning, and indoor air quality services. Our team of top-notch technicians is here to help you find the best plan for your home and your budget. We also help commercial clients in San Antonio and the surrounding area find HVAC solutions that meet their needs. Contact Air Authority, A Riteway Service Company today to start saving on your energy bills and keep your home safe!

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