How to Use Your Thermostat to Save Money During Winter

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

With multiple options and techniques available, homeowners can reduce your heating costs while still keeping 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.

As a whole, a good rule is the lower the temperature inside 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 monthly energy costs.

Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re at home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) suggests setting your thermostat to between 68°F and 70°F in the winter. That’s warm enough to keep lots of families cozy, but also low enough to be energy efficient.

Effective Temperature Settings While You Are Away

The DOE states you can save up to 10% on your HVAC costs by decreasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. This way, you’re not wasting money heating your home while you’re not there.

Experts say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone an extended period of time, you can put 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 arrive home, turn up 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.

Cost-Efficient Thermostat Settings While You Are Sleeping

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

Other Ways to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are several other techniques you can employ so you consume less energy this winter while you heat your home. They include:

Evaluate your insulation levels

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

Set up a programmable thermostat

Purchase a programmable thermostat to control the temperature in your home conveniently. Set lower temperatures when you're away or asleep and increase them only when needed.

For even more savings, purchase a smart thermostat that can detect when you are in or out and modify the temperature appropriately. To learn more about these gadgets or for smart thermostat installation in Morgantown, consult with the skilled technicians at Mountain Air. We can tell you how smart thermostats can improve your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Schedule furnace maintenance:

Plan regular maintenance for your HVAC system. A well-maintained furnace operates more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and probably avoiding costly repairs. Clean or replace air filters on a regular basis to assure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Morgantown, call the team at Mountain Air. Our trained technicians will get your system in peak condition!

Seal air leaks

Detect and close off any air leaks in your home. Typical places for leaks tend to be windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing these gaps stops warm air from leaking out of your home, 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 desire, furnace replacement may be a smart long-term decision. Modern day furnaces are highly efficient, which can notably decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re interested in investing in a new heating system, phone the professionals at Mountain Air. We’re noted for skilled furnace installation in Morgantown and will help you pick a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 304-413-1287 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!