How to Use Your Thermostat to Save Money During the Cold Months

As winter gets closer and the temperature drops, finding ways to save money on your energy bills becomes a top priority. One of the simplest strategies is modifying your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without sacrificing comfort.

With numerous options and techniques available, homeowners can lower 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 several ways to find the ideal balance between warmth and savings.

In general, 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 heating.

Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re at 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 lots of families cozy, but also low enough to be energy efficient.

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

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

Authorities 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. Doing this will keep your furnace running so you don’t have any frozen or burst pipes waiting for you when you get home.

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

Cost-Efficient Thermostat Settings While You Are Sleeping

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 says somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the best temperature range for good sleep.

More Ways to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are a number of other approaches you can employ so you consume less energy this winter while you heat your home. They include:

Check your insulation levels

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

Buy a programmable thermostat

Purchase a programmable thermostat to manage the temperature in your home effectively. Set lower temperatures when you're not home or asleep and increase them only when necessary.

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 Richmond, consult with the skilled technicians at Refrigeration Systems Ltd.. We can tell you how smart thermostats can help your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Arrange furnace maintenance:

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

For furnace maintenance in Richmond, call the team at Refrigeration Systems Ltd.. Our trained technicians will get your system in peak condition!

Seal air leaks

Locate and fill in any air leaks in your home. Common places for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing these gaps blocks warm air from leaking out of your home, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfy temperature.

Upgrade your HVAC system

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

If you’re considering getting a new heating system, call the pros at Refrigeration Systems Ltd.. We’re noted for skilled furnace installation in Richmond and will help you pick a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 778-693-2532 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!