How to Use Your Thermostat to 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 simplest ways is modifying your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without compromising comfort.

With many options and techniques available, homeowners can decrease your heating costs while still keeping your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are plenty of ways to find the perfect balance between warmth and savings.

As a whole, a good guideline is the lower the temperature inside your home and the less difference there is between the air inside your home and the outside temperature, the more money you will save on your HVAC bills.

Money-Saving Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

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

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

The DOE states you can save as much as 10% on your HVAC costs by decreasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. That way, you’re not needlessly spending 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 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, increase the temperature gradually. That will keep your heating system from performing too hard, which could be the case if you raise the temperature on your thermostat really high right away.

Cost-Efficient Thermostat Settings While You Are Asleep

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 reports somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the ideal temperature range for good sleep.

More Methods to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are several other approaches 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 heating equipment and save energy.

Buy a programmable thermostat

Put in 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 needed.

For even more savings, buy a smart thermostat that can detect when you are in or out and change the temperature appropriately. To learn more about these gadgets or for smart thermostat installation in Rio Grande Valley, contact the skilled technicians at Cytech Heating & Cooling L.C.. We can explain how smart thermostats can improve your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Plan furnace maintenance:

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

For furnace maintenance in Rio Grande Valley, call the team at Cytech Heating & Cooling L.C.. Our specialists will get your system in peak condition!

Seal air leaks

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

Update your HVAC system

If your furnace is old, inefficient or just isn’t able to keep your home as warm as you need, furnace replacement may be a good long-term decision. Modern day furnaces are very efficient, which can significantly lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re considering getting a new heating system, contact the specialists at Cytech Heating & Cooling L.C.. We’re recognized for experienced furnace installation in Rio Grande Valley and will help you choose a unit that’s well suited for your home! Call 956-630-3522 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!