Adjust Your Thermostat and Save Money During Winter

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

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

Overall, a good rule 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.

Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re around your home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) advises dialing your thermostat to between 68°F and 70°F in the winter. That’s warm enough to keep lots of families comfy, 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 lowering your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By doing this, 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 an extended period of time, you can adjust 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, turn up 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.

Cost-Efficient Thermostat Settings While You Are Sleeping

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

More Ways to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are a number of other techniques you can employ so you 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 avoid heat loss. This will minimize the stress on your HVAC system and save energy.

Buy a programmable thermostat

Install a programmable thermostat to regulate the temperature in your home efficiently. Set lower temperatures when you're away or asleep and increase them only when needed.

For even more savings, buy a smart thermostat that can perceive when you are in or out and adjust the temperature correctly. To learn more about these products or for smart thermostat installation in Des Moines, get a hold of the skilled technicians at Heartland Heating & Cooling. We can tell you how smart thermostats can help your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Schedule furnace maintenance:

Plan regular maintenance for your heating system. A well-maintained system functions more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters routinely to ensure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Des Moines, call the team at Heartland Heating & Cooling. Our specialists will get your system in peak condition!

Seal air leaks

Detect and close off any air leaks in your home. Common places for leaks tend to be windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Plugging these gaps blocks warm air from escaping, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a sufficient temperature.

Update your HVAC system

If your HVAC equipment 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 decision. Contemporary furnaces are extremely efficient, which can notably lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re interested in upgrading to a new heating system, phone the specialists at Heartland Heating & Cooling. We’re noted for skilled furnace installation in Des Moines and will help you select a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 515-344-3579 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!