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

As winter approaches and the temperature falls, finding ways to save money on your power bills becomes a top priority. One of the best strategies is modifying 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 many ways to find the perfect balance between warmth and savings.

Overall, 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 exterior temperature, the more money you will save on your monthly energy costs.

Ideal 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 comfortable, but also low enough to be energy efficient.

Effective Temperature Settings While You Not at Home

The DOE states you can save as much as 10% on your energy costs by decreasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. This 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 adjust your thermostat as low as 50 degrees. Doing this will keep your furnace running so you don’t have any frozen or burst pipes while you are away.

When you get back to your house, increase 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 very high right away.

Recommended Thermostat Settings While You Are Sleeping

The great news about sleep-time thermostat settings in the winter is that people generally sleep well 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.

More Ways to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

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

Examine your insulation levels

Insulate doors, windows and walls to reduce drafts, keep warm air inside and avoid heat loss. This will minimize the pressure on your heating equipment and save energy.

Buy a programmable thermostat

Purchase 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, set up a smart thermostat that can detect when you are in or out and change the temperature correctly. To learn more about these devices or for smart thermostat installation in Marshalltown, consult with the skilled technicians at Kapaun & Brown. We can explain how smart thermostats can improve your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Plan furnace maintenance:

Plan regular maintenance for your heating and cooling system. A well-maintained system functions more efficiently, decreasing energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters regularly to ensure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Marshalltown, call the team at Kapaun & Brown. Our specialists will get your system in top shape!

Seal air leaks

Detect and close off any air leaks in your home. Frequent spots for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps prevents warm air from escaping, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfy temperature.

Update 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 decision. Today’s furnaces are extremely efficient, which can significantly lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re contemplating getting a new heating system, call the specialists at Kapaun & Brown. We’re noted for knowledgeable furnace installation in Marshalltown and will help you select a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 641-812-2028 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!