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

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

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

In general, a good guideline is the lower the temperature inside 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 heating.

Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re around your home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) advises dialing 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 estimates you can save up to 10% on your heating costs by decreasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By doing this, you’re not wasting 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 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 get back to your house, increase the temperature bit by bit. 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.

Cost-Efficient Thermostat Settings While You Are in Bed for The Night

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 says somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the ideal temperature range for great sleep.

Additional Methods to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are a number of other techniques 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 minimize drafts, keep warm air inside and protect against heat loss. This will minimize the workload on your HVAC system and save energy.

Buy a programmable thermostat

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

For even more savings, buy a smart thermostat that can sense when you are in or out and change the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these gadgets or for smart thermostat installation in Monroe, contact the skilled technicians at Lanz Furnace and Fireplace. We can tell you how smart thermostats can benefit your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Schedule furnace maintenance:

Plan to hire someone to do regular maintenance for your heating and cooling system. A well-maintained system runs more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or replace air filters on a regular basis to ensure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Monroe, call the team at Lanz Furnace and Fireplace. Our trained technicians will get your system in top shape!

Seal air leaks

Locate and close off any air leaks in your home. Typical spots for leaks including windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing these gaps blocks warm air from escaping, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfortable temperature.

Upgrade your HVAC system

If your furnace is old, inefficient or just isn’t able to keep your home as warm as you need, furnace replacement may be a good long-term solution. Modern furnaces are very efficient, which can considerably reduce your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re thinking about investing in a new heating system, contact the professionals at Lanz Furnace and Fireplace. We’re recognized for experienced furnace installation in Monroe and will help you find a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 608-291-3606 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!