Set Your Thermostat and Save Money During Winter

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

With numerous options and techniques available, homeowners can reduce 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 several ways to find the appropriate balance between warmth and savings.

Overall, 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 outdoor temperature, the more money you will save on your HVAC bills.

Money-Saving Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re around your home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recommends dialing 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 Not at Home

The DOE reports you can save up to 10% on your HVAC costs by turning down 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.

Industry professionals say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone a prolonged period of time, you can put your thermostat as low as 50 degrees. That 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, raise the temperature slowly. That will keep your heating system from performing too hard, which could happen if you raise the temperature on your thermostat very high right away.

Suggested Thermostat Settings While You Are Asleep

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

Additional Ways to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are many other approaches 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 minimize drafts, keep warm air inside and protect against heat loss. This will decrease the stress on your heating equipment and save energy.

Set up a programmable thermostat

Put in 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 needed.

For even more savings, install a smart thermostat that can detect when you are in or out and modify the temperature appropriately. To learn more about these devices or for smart thermostat installation in Manor and Austin, contact the skilled technicians at Country Thyme AC & Home Services. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can help your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Schedule furnace maintenance:

Plan to hire someone to do regular maintenance for your heating and cooling system. A well-maintained heating system runs more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and probably avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters regularly to ensure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Manor and Austin, call the team at Country Thyme AC & Home Services. We will get your system in peak condition!

Seal air leaks

Detect and close off any air leaks in your home. Common spots for leaks including windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Plugging these gaps stops warm air from leaking out of your home, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a sufficient temperature.

Upgrade 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 smart long-term solution. Modern furnaces are extremely efficient, which can notably lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re considering investing in a new heating system, call the professionals at Country Thyme AC & Home Services. We’re noted for experienced furnace installation in Manor and Austin and will help you find a unit that’s well suited for your home! Call 512-954-2223 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!