Adjust Your Thermostat and Save Money During Winter

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

With many options and techniques available, you can reduce your heating costs while still keeping 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 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 monthly energy costs.

Ideal Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re around your 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 most families cozy, but also low enough to be energy efficient.

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

The DOE estimates you can save up to 10% on your energy costs by decreasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. This way, 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 a prolonged period of time, you can adjust 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 while you are away.

When you arrive home, raise the temperature gradually. That will keep your heating system from performing too hard, which could happen if you raise the temperature on your thermostat quite high right away.

Cost-Efficient 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 says somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the optimal temperature range for great sleep.

Additional Methods to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are several 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 decrease 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 effectively. Set lower temperatures when you're not home or asleep and increase them only when required.

For even more savings, buy a smart thermostat that can detect when you are in or out and change the temperature correctly. To learn more about these devices or for smart thermostat installation in Pocatello, contact the skilled technicians at Vogts Heating & Air. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can benefit your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Schedule furnace maintenance:

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

For furnace maintenance in Pocatello, call the team at Vogts Heating & Air. Our specialists will get your system in excellent working order!

Seal air leaks

Locate and fill in any air leaks in your home. Frequent spots for leaks tend to be windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Plugging these gaps stops warm air from leaking out of your home, 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 desire, furnace replacement may be a smart long-term solution. Modern day furnaces are very efficient, which can considerably decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re contemplating getting a new heating system, phone the specialists at Vogts Heating & Air. We’re noted for skilled furnace installation in Pocatello and will help you select a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 208-244-7042 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!