How to Use Your Thermostat to Save Money During the Cold Months

As winter draws near 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, you can decrease your heating costs while still trying to keep your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Regardless of whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are plenty of ways to find the appropriate balance between warmth and savings.

As a whole, 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 heating.

Ideal Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re around your home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) advises dialing your thermostat to between 68°F and 70°F in the winter. That’s warm enough to keep most families comfy, 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 HVAC costs by decreasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By doing this, 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 an extended 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 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 running too hard, which could happen if you raise the temperature on your thermostat very high right away.

Suggested Thermostat Settings While You Are Sleeping

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 reports somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the best temperature range for great sleep.

More Techniques to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are a number of 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 minimize drafts, keep warm air inside and avoid heat loss. This will limit the workload on your HVAC system and save energy.

Install a programmable thermostat

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

For even more savings, set up a smart thermostat that can detect when you are in or out and modify the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these gadgets or for smart thermostat installation in Payson, consult with the skilled technicians at North Mechanical Heating and Cooling. We can explain how smart thermostats can benefit your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Arrange furnace maintenance:

Schedule regular maintenance for your HVAC system. A well-maintained system operates more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or replace air filters routinely to assure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Payson, call the team at North Mechanical Heating and Cooling. We will get your system in excellent working order!

Seal air leaks

Locate and seal any air leaks in your home. Common places for leaks tend to be windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps stops warm air from escaping, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a sufficient temperature.

Update your HVAC system

If your HVAC equipment 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 decision. Modern day furnaces are highly efficient, which can dramatically lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re contemplating investing in a new heating system, call the professionals at North Mechanical Heating and Cooling. We’re recognized for knowledgeable furnace installation in Payson and will help you pick a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 928-263-8570 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!