How to Use Your Thermostat to Save Money During Winter Weather

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

With many options and techniques available, it's possible to reduce your heating costs while still keeping your home cozy throughout the chilly season. 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 within 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 monthly energy costs.

Money-Saving 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 the majority of families comfy, but also low enough to be energy efficient.

Effective Temperature Settings While You Are Away

The DOE reports you can save as much as 10% on your home 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.

Authorities say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone a prolonged period of time, you can put your thermostat as low as 50 degrees. This will be warm enough it 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 return to your home, turn up the temperature gradually. That will keep your heating system from running 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 best temperature range for quality sleep.

Additional 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:

Check your insulation levels

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

Install a programmable thermostat

Purchase 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, buy a smart thermostat that can perceive when you are in or out and adjust the temperature appropriately. To learn more about these devices or for smart thermostat installation in Yukon, consult with the skilled technicians at Comfort Concepts Heating & Air Conditioning. 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 HVAC system. A well-maintained heating system functions more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and probably avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters regularly to assure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Yukon, call the team at Comfort Concepts Heating & Air Conditioning. Our trained technicians will get your system in peak condition!

Seal air leaks

Locate and fill in any air leaks in your home. Typical places for leaks including windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps prevents 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 HVAC equipment is old, inefficient or just isn’t able to keep your home as warm as you need, furnace replacement may be an ideal long-term solution. Contemporary furnaces are extremely efficient, which can considerably lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re thinking about upgrading to a new heating system, contact the specialists at Comfort Concepts Heating & Air Conditioning. We’re recognized for experienced furnace installation in Yukon and will help you choose a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 405-494-7444 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!