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

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 tips is modifying your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without compromising comfort.

With multiple options and techniques available, you can decrease your heating costs while still trying to keep your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Irrespective of whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are plenty of ways to find the ideal balance between warmth and savings.

Overall, a good rule of thumb is the lower the temperature within 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 around your home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recommends setting your thermostat to between 68°F and 70°F in the winter. That’s warm enough to keep the majority of families comfortable, but also low enough to be energy efficient.

Effective Temperature Settings While You Going to Be Out of Your Home

The DOE estimates you can save approximately 10% on your heating costs by turning down 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 a long 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 while you are away.

When you get back to your house, increase the temperature gradually. That will keep your heating system from performing too hard, which could be the case if you raise the temperature on your thermostat quite high right away.

Recommended 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 states 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 a number of other approaches you can employ so you 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 avoid heat loss. This will decrease the stress on your heating equipment and save energy.

Install a programmable thermostat

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

For even more savings, buy a smart thermostat that can sense when you are in or out and modify the temperature correctly. To learn more about these systems or for smart thermostat installation in Huntsville, contact the skilled technicians at All Weather Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. We can explain how smart thermostats can improve your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Schedule furnace maintenance:

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

For furnace maintenance in Huntsville, call the team at All Weather Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. Our specialists will get your system in peak condition!

Seal air leaks

Find and close off any air leaks in your home. Frequent places for leaks including windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Plugging 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 heating system is old, inefficient or just isn’t able to keep your home as warm as you need, furnace replacement may be a smart long-term option. Today’s furnaces are highly efficient, which can notably decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re contemplating getting a new heating system, contact the pros at All Weather Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. We’re noted for skilled furnace installation in Huntsville and will help you find a unit that’s well suited for your home! Call 256-801-4701 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!