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

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

With several options and techniques available, it's possible to lower your heating costs while still trying to keep 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.

As a whole, a good rule of thumb is the lower the temperature in 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.

Ideal 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 Not at Home

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. By using this method, you’re not throwing away money heating your home while you’re not there.

Authorities say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone a long 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 arrive home, raise 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 quite high right away.

Recommended Thermostat Settings While You Are in Bed for The Night

The great news about sleep-time thermostat settings in the winter is that people sleep better when it’s a little colder. The National Sleep Foundation reports somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the best temperature range for great sleep.

Other Tactics to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are several 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 minimize drafts, keep warm air inside and avoid heat loss. This will limit the pressure on your heating equipment and save energy.

Buy a programmable thermostat

Put in 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 needed.

For even more savings, set up a smart thermostat that can perceive when you are in or out and modify the temperature appropriately. To learn more about these systems or for smart thermostat installation in York, consult with the skilled technicians at Strine's. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can benefit your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Plan furnace maintenance:

Schedule regular maintenance for your HVAC system. A well-maintained system runs more efficiently, decreasing energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters regularly to ensure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in York, call the team at Strine's. We will get your system in top shape!

Seal air leaks

Find and fill in any air leaks in your home. Typical places for leaks tend to be windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Plugging these gaps prevents warm air from seeping out, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a cozy 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 want, furnace replacement may be a good long-term option. Contemporary furnaces are very efficient, which can significantly reduce your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re thinking about upgrading to a new heating system, call the specialists at Strine's. We’re known for skilled furnace installation in York and will help you pick a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 717-383-4479 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!