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

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

With numerous 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 plenty of ways to find the ideal balance between warmth and savings.

Overall, a good guideline is the lower the temperature inside 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.

Ideal Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re around your home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) suggests 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 reports you can save up to 10% on your heating costs by turning down your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. This way, you’re not needlessly spending money heating your home while you’re not there.

Experts 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 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 working too hard, which could happen if you raise the temperature on your thermostat really high right away.

Suggested Thermostat Settings While You Are Asleep

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 optimal temperature range for good sleep.

Additional 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 reduce drafts, keep warm air inside and protect against heat loss. This will decrease the workload on your furnace and save energy.

Buy a programmable thermostat

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

For even more savings, purchase a smart thermostat that can detect when you are in or out and modify the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these systems or for smart thermostat installation in Marshalltown, consult with the skilled technicians at B & G HVAC. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can benefit your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Schedule furnace maintenance:

Plan to hire someone to do regular maintenance for your heating system. A well-maintained heating system operates more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters routinely to assure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Marshalltown, call the team at B & G HVAC. Our specialists will get your system in excellent working order!

Seal air leaks

Find and seal any air leaks in your home. Frequent sites for leaks tend to be windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Plugging these gaps blocks warm air from escaping, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a cozy 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 desire, furnace replacement may be an ideal long-term option. Today’s furnaces are extremely efficient, which can significantly decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re contemplating investing in a new heating system, call the pros at B & G HVAC. We’re recognized for experienced furnace installation in Marshalltown and will help you pick a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 641-316-3360 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!