Adjust Your Thermostat and Save Money During Winter

As winter draws near and the temperature dips, finding ways to save money on your energy bills becomes a top priority. One of the most effective strategies is modifying your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without losing comfort.

With numerous 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 plenty of ways to find the perfect balance between warmth and savings.

In general, a good rule of thumb is the lower the temperature in your home and the less difference there is between the air inside your home and the exterior temperature, the more money you will save on your HVAC bills.

Money-Saving Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re going to be home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) advises putting 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 Not at Home

The DOE reports you can save approximately 10% on your home heating costs by decreasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By doing this, you’re not wasting 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 get back to your house, raise the temperature bit by bit. 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.

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

More Methods to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are several other techniques you can employ so you 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 pressure on your HVAC system and save energy.

Set up a programmable thermostat

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

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 devices or for smart thermostat installation in Newton, contact the skilled technicians at Brookwood Inc. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can help your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Plan furnace maintenance:

Schedule regular maintenance for your heating system. A well-maintained furnace runs more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters routinely to make sure your unit has proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Newton, call the team at Brookwood Inc. Our trained technicians will get your system in excellent working order!

Seal air leaks

Find and fill in any air leaks in your home. Common places for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Plugging these gaps prevents warm air from escaping, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfortable 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. Modern day furnaces are extremely efficient, which can considerably reduce your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re contemplating upgrading to a new heating system, call the pros at Brookwood Inc. We’re recognized for skilled furnace installation in Newton and will help you pick a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 641-316-9803 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!