Set Your Thermostat and Save Money During the Cold Months

As winter approaches and the temperature falls, finding ways to save money on your heating bills becomes a top priority. One of the simplest tips is adjusting your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without compromising comfort.

With many options and techniques available, you can lower your heating costs while still making your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Irrespective of whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are plenty of ways to find the appropriate balance between warmth and savings.

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

Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re around your 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 the majority of families comfy, but also low enough to be energy efficient.

Effective Temperature Settings While You Are Away

The DOE estimates you can save up to 10% on your 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.

Experts say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone a long period of time, you can set your thermostat as low as 50 degrees. That will keep your furnace running so you don’t have any frozen or burst pipes while you are away.

When you arrive home, increase the temperature gradually. 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.

Cost-Efficient Thermostat Settings While You Are Sleeping

The great 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 best temperature range for great sleep.

Other Techniques to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are a number of other approaches you can utilize to consume less energy this winter while you heat your home. They include:

Evaluate your insulation levels

Insulate doors, windows and walls to minimize drafts, keep warm air inside and counter heat loss. This will minimize the workload on your furnace and save energy.

Install a programmable thermostat

Put in a programmable thermostat to regulate the temperature in your home conveniently. Set lower temperatures when you're not home or asleep and increase them only when necessary.

For even more savings, buy a smart thermostat that can perceive when you are in or out and change the temperature appropriately. To learn more about these systems or for smart thermostat installation in Wisconsin Rapids, get a hold of the skilled technicians at Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc. We can explain 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 furnace operates more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters on a regular basis to make sure your unit has proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Wisconsin Rapids, call the team at Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc. Our trained technicians will get your system in top shape!

Seal air leaks

Locate and fill in any air leaks in your home. Typical sites for leaks including 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 cozy temperature.

Improve your HVAC system

If your HVAC equipment is old, inefficient or just isn’t able to keep your home as warm as you want, furnace replacement may be an ideal long-term solution. Contemporary furnaces are extremely efficient, which can significantly reduce your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re contemplating upgrading to a new heating system, contact the pros at Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc. We’re known for skilled furnace installation in Wisconsin Rapids and will help you find a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 715-301-0256 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!