How to Use Your Thermostat to Save Money During Winter Weather

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

With many options and techniques available, homeowners can lower your heating costs while still trying to keep your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Irrespective 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 in 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 monthly energy costs.

Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re at home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) advises setting your thermostat to between 68°F and 70°F in the winter. That’s warm enough to keep most families cozy, but also low enough to be energy efficient.

Effective Temperature Settings While You Not at Home

The DOE reports you can save approximately 10% on your heating costs by decreasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. That way, you’re not needlessly spending 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 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 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 really high right away.

Recommended 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 reports somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the optimal temperature range for good sleep.

Other Ways to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are many other techniques you can utilize to consume less energy this winter while you heat your home. They include:

Evaluate your insulation levels

Insulate doors, windows and walls to cut down on drafts, keep warm air inside and protect against heat loss. This will limit the stress on your furnace and save energy.

Set up a programmable thermostat

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

For even more savings, set up a smart thermostat that can sense when you are in or out and modify the temperature correctly. To learn more about these devices or for smart thermostat installation in Cambridge, contact the skilled technicians at Pliescott HVAC Services LLC. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can benefit your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Plan furnace maintenance:

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

For furnace maintenance in Cambridge, call the team at Pliescott HVAC Services LLC. We will get your system in top shape!

Seal air leaks

Locate and fill in any air leaks in your home. Common sites for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps blocks warm air from escaping, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfortable 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 a smart long-term decision. Today’s furnaces are highly efficient, which can significantly lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re thinking about upgrading to a new heating system, contact the professionals at Pliescott HVAC Services LLC. We’re noted for experienced furnace installation in Cambridge and will help you choose a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 410-228-4822 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!