Adjust Your Thermostat and Save Money During Winter Weather

As winter draws near and the temperature drops, 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 losing comfort.

With multiple 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 several ways to find the ideal balance between warmth and savings.

Overall, a good rule of thumb is the lower the temperature inside 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.

Money-Saving Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re at home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) suggests setting 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 Are Away

The DOE estimates you can save approximately 10% on your HVAC costs by turning down your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. This way, you’re not wasting money heating your home while you’re not there.

Authorities 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 return to your home, raise the temperature little by little. That will keep your heating system from running 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 in Bed for The Night

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 suggests somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the ideal temperature range for quality sleep.

More Tactics to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are a number of other ways you can use to consume less energy this winter while you heat your home. They include:

Examine your insulation levels

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

Install a programmable thermostat

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

For even more savings, purchase a smart thermostat that can detect when you are in or out and modify the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these products or for smart thermostat installation in Zelienople, consult with the skilled technicians at Knoechel Heating. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can improve 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 system functions more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or replace air filters regularly to make sure your unit has proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Zelienople, call the team at Knoechel Heating. Our trained technicians will get your system in peak condition!

Seal air leaks

Find and close off any air leaks in your home. Typical places for leaks tend to be windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing these gaps blocks warm air from leaking out of your home, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a cozy temperature.

Improve your HVAC system

If your furnace 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 solution. Contemporary furnaces are extremely efficient, which can considerably lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re thinking about upgrading to a new heating system, phone the professionals at Knoechel Heating. We’re recognized for knowledgeable furnace installation in Zelienople and will help you select a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 724-425-5852 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!