Adjust Your Thermostat and Save Money During Winter Weather

As winter draws near and the temperature falls, finding ways to save money on your power bills becomes a top priority. One of the most effective techniques is adjusting your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without sacrificing comfort.

With several options and techniques available, homeowners can decrease your heating costs while still keeping your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are many ways to find the ideal 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 heating.

Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re going to be home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recommends putting your thermostat to between 68°F and 70°F in the winter. That’s warm enough to keep most families cozy, 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 decreasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By using this method, you’re not wasting money heating your home while you’re not there.

Experts say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone an extended 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 cause damage to your home while you're gone.

When you return to your home, increase the temperature slowly. That will keep your heating system from working too hard, which it could if you raise the temperature on your thermostat quite high right away.

Cost-Efficient Thermostat Settings While You Are Asleep

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

Other Tactics to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are several other techniques you can use to consume less energy this winter while you heat your home. They include:

Evaluate your insulation levels

Insulate doors, windows and walls to cut down on drafts, keep warm air inside and counter heat loss. This will decrease the workload on your heating equipment and save energy.

Set up a programmable thermostat

Put in a programmable thermostat to control the temperature in your home conveniently. Set lower temperatures when you're away or asleep and increase them only when necessary.

For even more savings, set up a smart thermostat that can perceive when you are in or out and modify the temperature appropriately. To learn more about these gadgets or for smart thermostat installation in Plainfield, contact the skilled technicians at Joel's Heating and Cooling. We can explain how smart thermostats can benefit your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Plan furnace maintenance:

Plan to hire someone to do regular maintenance for your heating system. A well-maintained heating system operates more efficiently, decreasing energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters on a regular basis to ensure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Plainfield, call the team at Joel's Heating and Cooling. Our specialists will get your system in top shape!

Seal air leaks

Detect and seal any air leaks in your home. Typical places for leaks tend to be windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing these gaps prevents warm air from escaping, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfy temperature.

Update your HVAC system

If your heating system is old, inefficient or just isn’t able to keep your home as warm as you need, furnace replacement may be a good long-term option. Contemporary furnaces are extremely efficient, which can notably decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re considering getting a new heating system, contact the specialists at Joel's Heating and Cooling. We’re noted for experienced furnace installation in Plainfield and will help you find a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 815-556-1046 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!