How to Use Your Thermostat to Save Money During Winter

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

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

As a whole, a good guideline is the lower the temperature within your home and the less difference there is between the air inside your home and the outside 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) advises putting your thermostat to between 68°F and 70°F in the winter. That’s warm enough to keep lots of families comfortable, but also low enough to be energy efficient.

Effective Temperature Settings While You Are Away

The DOE estimates you can save approximately 10% on your HVAC costs by turning down your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By using this method, you’re not throwing away 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 adjust 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 running too hard, which could happen if you raise the temperature on your thermostat quite high right away.

Suggested Thermostat Settings While You Are Asleep

The nice thing 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 best temperature range for great sleep.

More Tactics to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are many other ways you can utilize 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 avoid heat loss. This will limit the pressure on your heating equipment and save energy.

Set up a programmable thermostat

Purchase a programmable thermostat to control the temperature in your home efficiently. Set lower temperatures when you're out of your home or asleep and increase them only when needed.

For even more savings, install a smart thermostat that can perceive when you are in or out and modify the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these gadgets or for smart thermostat installation in Pflugerville, get a hold of the skilled technicians at Evenaire Heating & Air Conditioning. We can explain how smart thermostats can help your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Plan furnace maintenance:

Plan regular maintenance for your heating system. A well-maintained system functions more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and probably avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters on a regular basis to assure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Pflugerville, call the team at Evenaire Heating & Air Conditioning. Our specialists will get your system in excellent working order!

Seal air leaks

Detect and seal any air leaks in your home. Typical sites for leaks including windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing these gaps stops warm air from escaping, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfy temperature.

Improve your HVAC system

If your HVAC equipment 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 solution. Today’s furnaces are highly efficient, which can significantly reduce your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re interested in investing in a new heating system, call the professionals at Evenaire Heating & Air Conditioning. We’re noted for knowledgeable furnace installation in Pflugerville and will help you pick a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 512-337-4337 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!