How to Use Your Thermostat to Save Money During the Cold Months

As winter approaches and the temperature falls, finding ways to save money on your power bills becomes a top priority. One of the simplest ways is modifying your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without sacrificing 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 many ways to find the ideal balance between warmth and savings.

In general, 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.

Ideal Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re around your 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 lots of families comfortable, but also low enough to be energy efficient.

Effective Temperature Settings While You Going to Be Out of Your Home

The DOE reports you can save as much as 10% on your home heating costs by decreasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By doing this, you’re not wasting money heating your home while you’re not there.

Authorities say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone a long period of time, you can put 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 return to your home, raise the temperature slowly. That will keep your heating system from performing too hard, which it could if you raise the temperature on your thermostat very high right away.

Recommended Thermostat Settings While You Are Asleep

The great news about sleep-time thermostat settings in the winter is that people generally sleep well when it’s a little colder. The National Sleep Foundation states 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 a number of other techniques you can utilize 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 counter heat loss. This will decrease the pressure on your heating equipment and save energy.

Set up a programmable thermostat

Put in a programmable thermostat to regulate the temperature in your home conveniently. Set lower temperatures when you're out of your 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 modify the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these systems or for smart thermostat installation in Wilkes Barre and Scranton, consult with the skilled technicians at GLR Mechanical. We can tell you how smart thermostats can benefit your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Plan furnace maintenance:

Plan regular maintenance for your heating and cooling system. A well-maintained system operates more efficiently, decreasing energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or replace air filters on a regular basis to ensure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Wilkes Barre and Scranton, call the team at GLR Mechanical. Our trained technicians will get your system in top shape!

Seal air leaks

Find and close off any air leaks in your home. Common spots for leaks tend to be windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing these gaps stops 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 furnace is old, inefficient or just isn’t able to keep your home as warm as you want, furnace replacement may be a good long-term option. Today’s furnaces are very efficient, which can considerably decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re interested in upgrading to a new heating system, call the professionals at GLR Mechanical. We’re noted for skilled furnace installation in Wilkes Barre and Scranton and will help you select a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 570-309-0403 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!