Set Your Thermostat and Save Money During Winter

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

With many options and techniques available, you can decrease your heating costs while still keeping your home cozy throughout the chilly season. 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 rule 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.

Money-Saving 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 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 estimates you can save approximately 10% on your HVAC costs by lowering 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.

Industry professionals say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone a prolonged period of time, you can set 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 get back to your house, turn up the temperature little by little. 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 Sleeping

The nice thing about sleep-time thermostat settings in the winter is that people get good sleep when it’s a little colder. The National Sleep Foundation states somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the best temperature range for good sleep.

Additional Techniques to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are a number of other techniques 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 avoid heat loss. This will minimize the stress on your heating equipment and save energy.

Buy a programmable thermostat

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

For even more savings, install a smart thermostat that can sense when you are in or out and adjust the temperature correctly. To learn more about these products or for smart thermostat installation in Swanton, consult with the skilled technicians at Northwest Services. We can tell you how smart thermostats can improve your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Plan furnace maintenance:

Plan to hire someone to do regular maintenance for your heating system. A well-maintained heating system runs more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and probably avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters regularly to ensure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Swanton, call the team at Northwest Services. Our specialists will get your system in peak condition!

Seal air leaks

Locate and seal any air leaks in your home. Frequent places for leaks tend to be windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Plugging these gaps blocks warm air from leaking out of your home, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a sufficient 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 an ideal long-term option. Modern day furnaces are very efficient, which can notably lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re considering getting a new heating system, contact the professionals at Northwest Services. We’re noted for skilled furnace installation in Swanton and will help you find a unit that’s well suited for your home! Call 419-548-5017 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!