How to Use Your Thermostat to Save Money During Winter Weather

As winter approaches and the temperature drops, finding ways to save money on your heating bills becomes a top priority. One of the best ways is changing your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without losing comfort.

With several options and techniques available, homeowners can decrease 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 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.

Money-Saving Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

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

Effective Temperature Settings While You Are Away

The DOE estimates you can save as much as 10% on your heating costs by lowering your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. This way, 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 prolonged period of time, you can set your thermostat as low as 50 degrees. Doing this 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 bit by bit. That will keep your heating system from running too hard, which it could if you raise the temperature on your thermostat very high right away.

Suggested Thermostat Settings While You Are in Bed for The Night

The nice thing about sleep-time thermostat settings in the winter is that people sleep better when it’s a little colder. The National Sleep Foundation states somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the optimal temperature range for great sleep.

Additional Techniques to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are a number of other techniques you can employ so you consume less energy this winter while you heat your home. They include:

Evaluate your insulation levels

Insulate doors, windows and walls to cut down on drafts, keep warm air inside and avoid heat loss. This will minimize the workload on your HVAC system and save energy.

Buy a programmable thermostat

Put in a programmable thermostat to control the temperature in your home conveniently. Set lower temperatures when you're out of your 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 adjust the temperature appropriately. To learn more about these products or for smart thermostat installation in Saint Louis, contact the skilled technicians at Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can benefit 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 runs more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or replace air filters on a regular basis to make sure your unit has proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Saint Louis, call the team at Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating. Our specialists will get your system in excellent working order!

Seal air leaks

Locate and close off any air leaks in your home. Typical places for leaks tend to be windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing these gaps prevents warm air from leaking out of your home, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfortable temperature.

Upgrade 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 option. Today’s 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, call the professionals at Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating. We’re recognized for experienced furnace installation in Saint Louis and will help you choose a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 314-310-0363 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!