Winter is here, and time to fire up heaters to keep comfortable as the temperatures drop in Northern VA.  However, many will end up wasting energy by setting their thermostats at high temperature.  With winter in full swing and temperatures in Northern VA in the single digits, there is no better time to learn how to save energy, and money!

The Most Energy Efficient Temperature to Keep Your Northern VA Home in Winter?

Setting the thermostat to 70 or 75 degrees Fahrenheit is unnecessary during winter.  The U.S. Department of Energy recommends to set the thermostat at 68 degrees Fahrenheit during the winter months.  Keeping your Northern VA home at this temperature will keep you warm without wasting too much energy.  We all break out the winter cloths this time of year, so it is likely your attire is keeping you extra warm anyway!Those brilliant people at the Department of Energy also recommend turning down the thermostat when no one is home or at night when snuggled up sleeping.  Dialing it  down 7 degrees Fahrenheit during these times can save a significant amount of energy.  It’s estimated that adjusting the thermostat when everyone is sleeping or no one is home can save up to 10% on your utility bills.  Do that math and the financial savings is real, and good for the environment.

How to Set Energy Efficient Temperatures for Winter

It always seems busy in Northern VA, particularly during winter, as long as there is no government shut down that is .  This makes it difficult to remember to adjust the thermostat throughout the day when you’re wrapped up in the NOVA hustle.  Fortunately, there’s an easy way to execute these thermostat adjustments.Install  a programmable thermostat that works around your schedule all year round.  Program the thermostat to keep your home at 68 degrees at all times except for those that you are at work, school, or asleep.  Set it to automatically adjust the temperature down by 7 degrees during these hours.  Programmable thermostats are relatively inexpensive and will easily pay for itself in savings in a year or less.

How to Keep Temperatures Consistent Throughout the House

Some people find when the thermostat says 68 degree it feels colder in certain parts of their home.   If specific rooms in the house feel colder during winter or hotter during summer, there may be more insolation needed.  Additional insulation will not only make your home more comfortable, but it will also reduce heating and cooling costs.You may also want to check the damper on your HVAC trunk line or lines if your home is zoned.  The damper is a plate located in your HVAC ducts used to control air flow by redirecting air to specific parts of the home.  This is a must in Northern VA with such seasonal temperature differences.  This allows to push cold air in upper levels during summer and warm air in lower levels during winter.  (Remember, warm air rises)   Some HVAC systems have automatic dampers that do this on their own.  Here is a short video you may find helpful:

Bottom Line:

You can expect Northern VA temperature spikes during the coldest winter months and hottest summer months, but does not need to lead to significantly higher bills.  Follow this simple tips to save a substantial amount of energy and money! 

The Joey Group is an exceptional real estate team with RE/MAX Preferred Properties, for selling or buying a home in Northern VA.  Your Home Our Passion.Specializing in happy home sellers and home buyers, selling starter homes, trade up homes, premium homes, and luxury real estate in Northern VA.  Selling homes since 2003 to first time home buyers, relocating clients, first time home sellers, luxury clientele, downsizing, and trade up clientele.  Helping home sellers sell quickly and profit more with a carrier average days on market of 39 days.Alexandria, Arlington, Ashburn, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Dunn Loring, City of Fairfax, Falls Church, Great Falls, Herndon, McLean, Oakton, Reston, Sterling, Tysons Corner, Vienna, or anywhere in Northern VA.The post What is The Most Energy Efficient Temperature to Keep your House At in Winter? appeared first on HomeSelfe.