Set Your Thermostat and Save Money During Winter

As winter gets closer and the temperature drops, 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 compromising comfort.

With several options and techniques available, you can reduce your heating costs while still keeping your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Irrespective of whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are plenty of ways to find the ideal balance between warmth and savings.

Overall, a good rule is the lower the temperature within 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.

Ideal Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re going to be home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) suggests 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 Are Away

The DOE states you can save up to 10% on your energy costs by decreasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By using this method, you’re not needlessly spending money heating your home while you’re not there.

Authorities say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone a long period of time, you can adjust 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 arrive home, increase the temperature little by little. That will keep your heating system from working too hard, which could be the case if you raise the temperature on your thermostat very high right away.

Suggested Thermostat Settings While You Are Asleep

The nice thing about sleep-time thermostat settings in the winter is that people sleep better when it’s a little colder. The National Sleep Foundation reports somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the ideal temperature range for good sleep.

Additional Techniques to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are many other approaches 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 counter heat loss. This will minimize the stress on your furnace and save energy.

Buy a programmable thermostat

Purchase a programmable thermostat to control the temperature in your home effortlessly. Set lower temperatures when you're not home or asleep and increase them only when required.

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 Jefferson, contact the skilled technicians at Pratt Brothers. We can explain how smart thermostats can help 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 furnace operates more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters routinely to ensure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Jefferson, call the team at Pratt Brothers. We will get your system in top shape!

Seal air leaks

Find and fill in any air leaks in your home. Common spots for leaks tend to be windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing these gaps prevents warm air from leaking out of your home, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfortable temperature.

Improve your HVAC system

If your furnace is old, inefficient or just isn’t able to keep your home as warm as you want, furnace replacement may be a smart long-term option. Modern furnaces are extremely efficient, which can considerably lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re thinking about investing in a new heating system, phone the professionals at Pratt Brothers. We’re known for knowledgeable furnace installation in Jefferson and will help you select a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 920-347-8495 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!