How to Use Your Thermostat to Save Money During Winter

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

With several options and techniques available, homeowners can lower your heating costs while still making 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 appropriate 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 outdoor temperature, the more money you will save on your HVAC bills.

Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re at home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) suggests setting your thermostat to between 68°F and 70°F in the winter. That’s warm enough to keep the majority of families comfortable, 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 as much as 10% on your home heating costs by lowering your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By doing this, 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 long 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 get back to your house, turn up the temperature slowly. 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 great news about sleep-time thermostat settings in the winter is that people get good sleep when it’s a little colder. The National Sleep Foundation suggests somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the optimal temperature range for great sleep.

Other Techniques to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

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

Evaluate your insulation levels

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

Buy a programmable thermostat

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

For even more savings, install a smart thermostat that can detect when you are in or out and modify the temperature correctly. To learn more about these gadgets or for smart thermostat installation in South Beloit and Belvidere, consult with the skilled technicians at Fleming Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. We can tell you how smart thermostats can benefit your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Schedule furnace maintenance:

Plan regular maintenance for your heating and cooling system. A well-maintained system runs more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters routinely to ensure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in South Beloit and Belvidere, call the team at Fleming Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. We will get your system in top shape!

Seal air leaks

Find and fill in any air leaks in your home. Common places for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Plugging these gaps prevents 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 furnace is old, inefficient or just isn’t able to keep your home as warm as you want, furnace replacement may be an ideal long-term option. Modern furnaces are highly efficient, which can significantly decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re thinking about investing in a new heating system, call the professionals at Fleming Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. We’re known for skilled furnace installation in South Beloit and Belvidere and will help you pick a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 877-389-2465 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!