How to Use Your Thermostat to Save Money During Winter

As winter approaches and the temperature drops, finding ways to save money on your energy bills becomes a top priority. One of the simplest ways is adjusting your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without losing comfort.

With numerous options and techniques available, homeowners can decrease your heating costs while still making your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Irrespective of whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are several ways to find the appropriate balance between warmth and savings.

As a whole, a good rule is the lower the temperature in your home and the less difference there is between the air inside your home and the exterior temperature, the more money you will save on your HVAC bills.

Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re going to be home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recommends putting your thermostat to between 68°F and 70°F in the winter. That’s warm enough to keep most families comfy, but also low enough to be energy efficient.

Effective Temperature Settings While You Not at Home

The DOE states you can save up to 10% on your home heating costs by decreasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. That way, you’re not wasting money heating your home while you’re not there.

Industry professionals say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone an extended period of time, you can set your thermostat as low as 50 degrees. That will keep your furnace running so you don’t have any frozen or burst pipes cause damage to your home while you're gone.

When you return to your home, turn up the temperature gradually. That will keep your heating system from working too hard, which could be the case if you raise the temperature on your thermostat really high right away.

Suggested Thermostat Settings While You Are in Bed for The Night

The nice thing about sleep-time thermostat settings in the winter is that people sleep better when it’s a little colder. The National Sleep Foundation states somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the best temperature range for quality sleep.

Additional Methods to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are several other techniques you can utilize to consume less energy this winter while you heat your home. They include:

Evaluate your insulation levels

Insulate doors, windows and walls to cut down on drafts, keep warm air inside and protect against heat loss. This will decrease the stress on your heating equipment and save energy.

Buy a programmable thermostat

Purchase a programmable thermostat to manage the temperature in your home conveniently. Set lower temperatures when you're away or asleep and increase them only when required.

For even more savings, purchase a smart thermostat that can sense when you are in or out and modify the temperature appropriately. To learn more about these systems or for smart thermostat installation in Elk River, consult with the skilled technicians at Home Comfort Heating & Air. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can benefit your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Plan furnace maintenance:

Plan regular maintenance for your heating and cooling system. A well-maintained furnace functions more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or replace air filters regularly to make sure your unit has proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Elk River, call the team at Home Comfort Heating & Air. Our specialists will get your system in top shape!

Seal air leaks

Locate and close off any air leaks in your home. Typical sites for leaks tend to be windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps blocks warm air from leaking out of your home, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a cozy temperature.

Update your HVAC system

If your furnace is old, inefficient or just isn’t able to keep your home as warm as you need, furnace replacement may be a good long-term option. Modern furnaces are very efficient, which can considerably reduce your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re considering getting a new heating system, call the specialists at Home Comfort Heating & Air. We’re noted for experienced furnace installation in Elk River and will help you find a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 763-276-0617 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!