How to Use Your Thermostat to Save Money During Winter

As winter gets closer and the temperature falls, finding ways to save money on your energy bills becomes a top priority. One of the most effective tips is changing your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without compromising comfort.

With many options and techniques available, it's possible to decrease your heating costs while still making your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Irrespective of whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are many ways to find the appropriate balance between warmth and savings.

In general, 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) suggests dialing 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 Are Away

The DOE reports you can save approximately 10% on your home heating costs by lowering your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. That way, you’re not throwing away money heating your home while you’re not there.

Experts 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 while you are away.

When you arrive home, raise the temperature bit by bit. That will keep your heating system from running too hard, which it could if you raise the temperature on your thermostat quite high right away.

Recommended Thermostat Settings While You Are Sleeping

The good 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 states somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the best temperature range for quality sleep.

Additional Methods to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

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

Examine your insulation levels

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

Set up a programmable thermostat

Install a programmable thermostat to manage the temperature in your home effortlessly. 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 sense when you are in or out and modify the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these systems or for smart thermostat installation in Cottonwood & Prescott, consult with the skilled technicians at Connolly Electric & Mechanical. We can tell you how smart thermostats can improve your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Schedule furnace maintenance:

Schedule regular maintenance for your heating and cooling system. A well-maintained system runs more efficiently, decreasing energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters on a regular basis to make sure your unit has proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Cottonwood & Prescott, call the team at Connolly Electric & Mechanical. Our trained technicians will get your system in peak condition!

Seal air leaks

Find and seal any air leaks in your home. Common spots for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing these gaps blocks warm air from leaking out of your home, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a cozy temperature.

Improve 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 a smart long-term solution. Modern day furnaces are extremely efficient, which can dramatically decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re considering getting a new heating system, contact the professionals at Connolly Electric & Mechanical. We’re recognized for skilled furnace installation in Cottonwood & Prescott and will help you select a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 928-251-4327 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!