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

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

With numerous options and techniques available, it's possible to decrease 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 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 outdoor temperature, the more money you will save on heating.

Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re going to be 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 most families cozy, but also low enough to be energy efficient.

Effective Temperature Settings While You Going to Be Out of Your Home

The DOE estimates you can save approximately 10% on your HVAC costs by decreasing 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.

Experts say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone a prolonged period of time, you can set 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 waiting for you when you get home.

When you arrive home, increase the temperature gradually. That will keep your heating system from running too hard, which could be the case if you raise the temperature on your thermostat really 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 states somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the best temperature range for great sleep.

Other Techniques to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

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

Check your insulation levels

Insulate doors, windows and walls to minimize drafts, keep warm air inside and protect against heat loss. This will minimize the pressure on your furnace and save energy.

Install a programmable thermostat

Put in a programmable thermostat to regulate the temperature in your home conveniently. 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 perceive when you are in or out and adjust the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these systems or for smart thermostat installation in Moline, consult with the skilled technicians at Freed Heating & Air Conditioning. We can explain how smart thermostats can benefit your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Plan furnace maintenance:

Schedule regular maintenance for your heating and cooling system. A well-maintained furnace operates more efficiently, decreasing energy consumption and probably avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters on a regular basis to make sure your unit has proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Moline, call the team at Freed Heating & Air Conditioning. We will get your system in peak condition!

Seal air leaks

Detect and fill in any air leaks in your home. Common places for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Plugging these gaps stops warm air from leaking out of your home, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfortable 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 a smart long-term decision. Modern furnaces are highly efficient, which can notably reduce your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re contemplating investing in a new heating system, contact the professionals at Freed Heating & Air Conditioning. We’re known for knowledgeable furnace installation in Moline and will help you choose a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 309-323-9584 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!