Set Your Thermostat and Save Money During Winter

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

With several options and techniques available, you can lower your heating costs while still making your home cozy throughout the chilly season. 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 guideline 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) recommends putting your thermostat to between 68°F and 70°F in the winter. That’s warm enough to keep the majority of families cozy, but also low enough to be energy efficient.

Effective Temperature Settings While You Not at Home

The DOE estimates you can save approximately 10% on your energy costs by turning down your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By using this method, you’re not needlessly spending 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 adjust 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, turn up the temperature gradually. That will keep your heating system from working too hard, which could happen if you raise the temperature on your thermostat very high right away.

Cost-Efficient Thermostat Settings While You Are in Bed for The Night

The good news about sleep-time thermostat settings in the winter is that people get good sleep when it’s a little colder. The National Sleep Foundation says somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the ideal temperature range for good sleep.

Other Techniques to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

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

Examine your insulation levels

Insulate doors, windows and walls to minimize drafts, keep warm air inside and avoid heat loss. This will minimize the pressure on your furnace and save energy.

Set up a programmable thermostat

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

For even more savings, set up a smart thermostat that can perceive when you are in or out and modify the temperature correctly. To learn more about these systems or for smart thermostat installation in Shamokin and Sunbury, consult with the skilled technicians at LTS Plumbing & Heating Inc.. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can benefit your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Schedule furnace maintenance:

Plan to hire someone to do regular maintenance for your HVAC system. A well-maintained heating system runs more efficiently, decreasing energy consumption and probably avoiding costly repairs. Clean or replace air filters routinely to make sure your unit has proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Shamokin and Sunbury, call the team at LTS Plumbing & Heating Inc.. Our specialists will get your system in excellent working order!

Seal air leaks

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

Improve your HVAC system

If your furnace is old, inefficient or just isn’t able to keep your home as warm as you need, furnace replacement may be an ideal long-term solution. Today’s furnaces are highly efficient, which can dramatically decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re contemplating investing in a new heating system, phone the pros at LTS Plumbing & Heating Inc.. We’re noted for experienced furnace installation in Shamokin and Sunbury and will help you select a unit that’s well suited for your home! Call 570-648-0748 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!