Adjust Your Thermostat and Save Money During Winter

As winter draws near and the temperature falls, finding ways to save money on your energy bills becomes a top priority. One of the best tips is modifying your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without sacrificing comfort.

With multiple options and techniques available, homeowners can lower your heating costs while still making 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.

As a whole, a good rule of thumb is the lower the temperature inside 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.

Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re at home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) advises 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 up to 10% on your energy costs by turning down your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By using this method, 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 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 return to your home, increase the temperature slowly. That will keep your heating system from performing too hard, which it could if you raise the temperature on your thermostat really high right away.

Recommended Thermostat Settings While You Are in Bed for The Night

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 suggests somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the optimal temperature range for good sleep.

Other Ways to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are a number of other ways 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 prevent heat loss. This will decrease the workload on your heating equipment and save energy.

Buy a programmable thermostat

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

For even more savings, install a smart thermostat that can perceive when you are in or out and modify the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these gadgets or for smart thermostat installation in Greater Richmond, contact the skilled technicians at Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling. We can tell you how smart thermostats can help your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Arrange furnace maintenance:

Plan to hire someone to do regular maintenance for your heating and cooling system. A well-maintained furnace functions more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters routinely to make sure your unit has proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Greater Richmond, call the team at Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling. We will get your system in excellent working order!

Seal air leaks

Find and close off any air leaks in your home. Frequent spots for leaks including windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps stops warm air from leaking out of your home, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfortable temperature.

Update your HVAC system

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

If you’re interested in getting a new heating system, contact the specialists at Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling. We’re recognized for skilled furnace installation in Greater Richmond and will help you select a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 804-302-6657 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!