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 energy bills becomes a top priority. One of the most effective strategies is changing your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without losing comfort.

With several options and techniques available, you can decrease 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 appropriate 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 monthly energy costs.

Ideal Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

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

The DOE states you can save up to 10% on your HVAC costs by turning down 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.

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. That will keep your furnace running so you don’t have any frozen or burst pipes waiting for you when you get home.

When you get back to your house, turn up the temperature slowly. That will keep your heating system from working 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 good news about sleep-time thermostat settings in the winter is that people get good sleep when it’s a little colder. The National Sleep Foundation suggests somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the ideal temperature range for great sleep.

Additional Techniques to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are a number of other approaches you can employ so you consume less energy this winter while you heat your home. They include:

Examine your insulation levels

Insulate doors, windows and walls to minimize drafts, keep warm air inside and protect against heat loss. This will limit the pressure on your HVAC system 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, set up a smart thermostat that can detect when you are in or out and change the temperature correctly. To learn more about these devices or for smart thermostat installation in Columbus, consult with the skilled technicians at Classic Air. 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 heating system. A well-maintained furnace runs more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or replace air filters routinely to ensure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Columbus, call the team at Classic Air. We will get your system in excellent working order!

Seal air leaks

Locate and fill in any air leaks in your home. Typical sites for leaks tend to be windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Plugging these gaps blocks warm air from escaping, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a cozy 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 want, furnace replacement may be an ideal long-term option. Today’s furnaces are highly efficient, which can dramatically decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re thinking about getting a new heating system, call the specialists at Classic Air. We’re known for knowledgeable furnace installation in Columbus and will help you pick a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 614-210-3041 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!