Set Your Thermostat and Save Money During the Cold Months

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

With multiple options and techniques available, homeowners can reduce your heating costs while still keeping 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 perfect 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 exterior temperature, the more money you will save on your monthly energy costs.

Ideal Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re going to be home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) advises setting your thermostat to between 68°F and 70°F in the winter. That’s warm enough to keep most families cozy, but also low enough to be energy efficient.

Effective Temperature Settings While You Not at Home

The DOE states you can save up to 10% on your home heating costs by decreasing 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.

Experts say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone an extended 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 cause damage to your home while you're gone.

When you return to your home, turn up the temperature little by little. That will keep your heating system from running too hard, which could be the case if you raise the temperature on your thermostat very high right away.

Recommended Thermostat Settings While You Are Sleeping

The nice thing about sleep-time thermostat settings in the winter is that people generally sleep well 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.

More Tactics to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are many other techniques 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 reduce drafts, keep warm air inside and counter heat loss. This will minimize the stress on your furnace and save energy.

Buy a programmable thermostat

Install a programmable thermostat to control the temperature in your home conveniently. Set lower temperatures when you're not home or asleep and increase them only when needed.

For even more savings, buy a smart thermostat that can sense when you are in or out and change the temperature appropriately. To learn more about these products or for smart thermostat installation in Wilkes Barre and Scranton, contact the skilled technicians at GLR Mechanical. We can explain how smart thermostats can help your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Arrange furnace maintenance:

Schedule regular maintenance for your HVAC system. A well-maintained furnace runs more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or replace air filters regularly to assure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Wilkes Barre and Scranton, call the team at GLR Mechanical. Our specialists will get your system in excellent working order!

Seal air leaks

Locate and fill in any air leaks in your home. Common spots for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps blocks warm air from leaking out of your home, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfy temperature.

Upgrade your HVAC system

If your HVAC equipment is old, inefficient or just isn’t able to keep your home as warm as you desire, furnace replacement may be a smart long-term solution. Modern day furnaces are highly efficient, which can notably decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re considering investing in a new heating system, contact the professionals at GLR Mechanical. We’re noted for skilled furnace installation in Wilkes Barre and Scranton and will help you choose a unit that’s well suited for your home! Call 570-309-0403 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!