Adjust Your Thermostat and Save Money During Winter Weather

As winter approaches and the temperature dips, finding ways to save money on your power bills becomes a top priority. One of the most effective ways is modifying your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without compromising comfort.

With several options and techniques available, homeowners can lower your heating costs while still trying to keep 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 appropriate balance between warmth and savings.

In general, 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 heating.

Ideal Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re at home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recommends setting your thermostat to between 68°F and 70°F in the winter. That’s warm enough to keep most families comfy, 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 turning down 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 a prolonged period of time, you can put your thermostat as low as 50 degrees. Doing this will keep your furnace running so you don’t have any frozen or burst pipes waiting for you when you get home.

When you arrive home, increase the temperature slowly. 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 Asleep

The good news about sleep-time thermostat settings in the winter is that people get good sleep when it’s a little colder. The National Sleep Foundation suggests somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the ideal temperature range for quality sleep.

Additional Techniques to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are many 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 protect against heat loss. This will decrease the pressure on your furnace and save energy.

Install a programmable thermostat

Put in a programmable thermostat to control the temperature in your home effectively. Set lower temperatures when you're away or asleep and increase them only when necessary.

For even more savings, set up a smart thermostat that can detect when you are in or out and adjust the temperature correctly. To learn more about these products or for smart thermostat installation in Magnolia, get a hold of the skilled technicians at JTech Mechanical. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can help your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Plan furnace maintenance:

Plan to hire someone to do regular maintenance for your heating system. A well-maintained heating system runs more efficiently, decreasing 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 Magnolia, call the team at JTech Mechanical. Our specialists will get your system in top shape!

Seal air leaks

Detect and seal any air leaks in your home. Common places for leaks including windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Plugging these gaps stops warm air from escaping, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a cozy temperature.

Improve your HVAC system

If your furnace is old, inefficient or just isn’t able to keep your home as warm as you desire, furnace replacement may be an ideal long-term solution. Today’s furnaces are highly efficient, which can considerably lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re thinking about upgrading to a new heating system, phone the professionals at JTech Mechanical. We’re recognized for skilled furnace installation in Magnolia and will help you find a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 281-231-8768 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!