Adjust Your Thermostat and Save Money During Winter

As winter approaches and the temperature drops, finding ways to save money on your energy bills becomes a top priority. One of the best techniques is changing your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without losing comfort.

With many options and techniques available, it's possible to reduce 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 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 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 the majority of families comfortable, but also low enough to be energy efficient.

Effective Temperature Settings While You Are Away

The DOE states you can save as much as 10% on your home heating costs by turning down your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By using this method, 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 prolonged 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 waiting for you when you get home.

When you get back to your house, raise the temperature little by little. That will keep your heating system from working too hard, which it could 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 sleep better when it’s a little colder. The National Sleep Foundation reports somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the optimal temperature range for good sleep.

Additional Ways to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are several other ways 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 cut down on drafts, keep warm air inside and protect against heat loss. This will minimize the workload on your HVAC system and save energy.

Install a programmable thermostat

Purchase a programmable thermostat to manage 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 adjust the temperature accordingly. 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 improve your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Arrange furnace maintenance:

Plan to hire someone to do regular maintenance for your heating system. A well-maintained heating system operates more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or replace air filters on a regular basis to make sure your unit has proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Des Moines, call the team at Heartland Heating & Cooling. We will get your system in top shape!

Seal air leaks

Locate and close off any air leaks in your home. Frequent places for leaks including windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps stops warm air from escaping, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfy temperature.

Update your HVAC system

If your heating system is old, inefficient or just isn’t able to keep your home as warm as you desire, furnace replacement may be a good long-term decision. Modern furnaces are extremely 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 Heartland Heating & Cooling. We’re recognized for experienced furnace installation in Des Moines and will help you find a unit that’s well suited for your home! Call 515-344-3579 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!