Adjust Your Thermostat and Save Money During Winter

As winter draws near and the temperature dips, finding ways to save money on your energy bills becomes a top priority. One of the most effective ways is adjusting your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without losing comfort.

With numerous options and techniques available, it's possible to reduce your heating costs while still keeping your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Regardless of whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are plenty of ways to find the perfect 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 around your 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 comfortable, but also low enough to be energy efficient.

Effective Temperature Settings While You Going to Be Out of Your Home

The DOE reports you can save up to 10% on your home heating costs by lowering your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By using this method, you’re not wasting money heating your home while you’re not there.

Experts say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone a prolonged period of time, you can put your thermostat as low as 50 degrees. That will keep your furnace running so you don’t have any frozen or burst pipes waiting for you when you get home.

When you get back to your house, increase the temperature slowly. That will keep your heating system from running too hard, which it could if you raise the temperature on your thermostat very high right away.

Recommended Thermostat Settings While You Are Asleep

The great news about sleep-time thermostat settings in the winter is that people generally sleep well when it’s a little colder. The National Sleep Foundation states somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the ideal temperature range for great sleep.

More Techniques to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are many other approaches you can use to consume less energy this winter while you heat your home. They include:

Examine your insulation levels

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

Set up a programmable thermostat

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

For even more savings, buy a smart thermostat that can detect when you are in or out and change the temperature appropriately. To learn more about these products or for smart thermostat installation in Elk River, contact the skilled technicians at Home Comfort Heating & Air. We can explain how smart thermostats can help your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Arrange furnace maintenance:

Schedule regular maintenance for your HVAC system. A well-maintained furnace runs more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and probably avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters routinely to assure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Elk River, call the team at Home Comfort Heating & Air. We will get your system in excellent working order!

Seal air leaks

Locate and seal any air leaks in your home. Common sites for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps stops warm air from seeping out, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a sufficient temperature.

Update your HVAC system

If your furnace is old, inefficient or just isn’t able to keep your home as warm as you desire, furnace replacement may be a smart long-term solution. Modern day furnaces are highly efficient, which can significantly decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

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