Adjust Your Thermostat and Save Money During Winter

As winter gets closer and the temperature falls, finding ways to save money on your energy bills becomes a top priority. One of the best ways is adjusting your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without sacrificing comfort.

With several options and techniques available, homeowners 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 appropriate balance between warmth and savings.

In general, 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 outdoor temperature, the more money you will save on your monthly energy costs.

Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re around your 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 lots of families comfortable, but also low enough to be energy efficient.

Effective Temperature Settings While You Not at Home

The DOE estimates you can save as much as 10% on your heating costs by lowering your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. That way, you’re not throwing away 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. That will keep your furnace running so you don’t have any frozen or burst pipes while you are away.

When you arrive home, increase the temperature slowly. That will keep your heating system from performing too hard, which could be the case if you raise the temperature on your thermostat very high right away.

Cost-Efficient Thermostat Settings While You Are Sleeping

The nice thing 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 optimal temperature range for good sleep.

Other Tactics to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are many other ways 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 counter heat loss. This will limit the pressure on your furnace and save energy.

Buy a programmable thermostat

Install a programmable thermostat to manage the temperature in your home effortlessly. Set lower temperatures when you're out of your home or asleep and increase them only when needed.

For even more savings, buy a smart thermostat that can sense when you are in or out and change the temperature appropriately. To learn more about these gadgets or for smart thermostat installation in Mount Horeb, get a hold of the skilled technicians at JW Brager Heating and Cooling. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can improve your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Arrange furnace maintenance:

Plan regular maintenance for your heating and cooling system. A well-maintained heating 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 Mount Horeb, call the team at JW Brager Heating and Cooling. Our specialists will get your system in peak condition!

Seal air leaks

Detect and close off any air leaks in your home. Typical sites for leaks tend to be windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Plugging these gaps stops warm air from escaping, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a sufficient temperature.

Improve your HVAC system

If your heating system is old, inefficient or just isn’t able to keep your home as warm as you want, furnace replacement may be a good long-term option. Today’s furnaces are highly efficient, which can significantly reduce your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re considering investing in a new heating system, phone the professionals at JW Brager Heating and Cooling. We’re noted for experienced furnace installation in Mount Horeb and will help you select a unit that’s well suited for your home! Call 608-447-0555 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!