Adjust Your Thermostat and Save Money During Winter Weather

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

With several options and techniques available, you can reduce your heating costs while still trying to keep 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 within 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.

Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re going to be home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) advises putting 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 Going to Be Out of Your Home

The DOE reports you can save as much as 10% on your HVAC costs by lowering 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 long 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 cause damage to your home while you're gone.

When you get back to your house, raise the temperature slowly. That will keep your heating system from running too hard, which it could if you raise the temperature on your thermostat really high right away.

Suggested Thermostat Settings While You Are in Bed for The Night

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

More Tactics 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:

Check your insulation levels

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

Set up a programmable thermostat

Install a programmable thermostat to regulate the temperature in your home effectively. Set lower temperatures when you're not home or asleep and increase them only when needed.

For even more savings, install a smart thermostat that can detect when you are in or out and modify the temperature appropriately. To learn more about these devices or for smart thermostat installation in Auburn, get a hold of the skilled technicians at Forster Heating. We can explain 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 functions more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters routinely to make sure your unit has proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Auburn, call the team at Forster Heating. Our specialists will get your system in peak condition!

Seal air leaks

Locate and seal any air leaks in your home. Typical sites for leaks tend to be windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing 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 heating system is old, inefficient or just isn’t able to keep your home as warm as you desire, furnace replacement may be an ideal long-term option. Today’s furnaces are very efficient, which can dramatically decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re interested in getting a new heating system, call the professionals at Forster Heating. We’re noted for knowledgeable furnace installation in Auburn and will help you choose a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 530-885-8081 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!