How to Use Your Thermostat to Save Money During Winter

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

With numerous options and techniques available, homeowners can decrease your heating costs while still trying to keep your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are plenty of ways to find the appropriate balance between warmth and savings.

Overall, 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 exterior temperature, the more money you will save on your HVAC bills.

Money-Saving Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re around your 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 the majority of families comfy, but also low enough to be energy efficient.

Effective Temperature Settings While You Not at Home

The DOE reports you can save as much as 10% on your HVAC costs by turning down your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By doing this, you’re not needlessly spending money heating your home while you’re not there.

Industry professionals 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 arrive home, turn up the temperature bit by bit. That will keep your heating system from performing too hard, which could be the case if you raise the temperature on your thermostat quite high right away.

Cost-Efficient Thermostat Settings While You Are Asleep

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 ideal temperature range for quality sleep.

Other Ways to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are several 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 cut down on drafts, keep warm air inside and avoid heat loss. This will minimize the workload on your heating equipment and save energy.

Buy a programmable thermostat

Purchase 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 required.

For even more savings, install a smart thermostat that can detect when you are in or out and adjust the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these systems or for smart thermostat installation in Florissant and St. Charles, consult with the skilled technicians at B & B Heating & Cooling. We can tell you 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 HVAC system. A well-maintained furnace operates more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters on a regular basis to make sure your unit has proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Florissant and St. Charles, call the team at B & B Heating & Cooling. 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 tend to be windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing these gaps prevents warm air from seeping out, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfortable temperature.

Improve your HVAC system

If your HVAC equipment is old, inefficient or just isn’t able to keep your home as warm as you need, furnace replacement may be a smart long-term option. Today’s furnaces are highly efficient, which can notably decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re contemplating getting a new heating system, phone the specialists at B & B Heating & Cooling. We’re noted for skilled furnace installation in Florissant and St. Charles and will help you select a unit that’s well suited for your home! Call 314-325-7552 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!