How to Use Your Thermostat to Save Money During the Cold Months

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

With many options and techniques available, it's possible to 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 ideal balance between warmth and savings.

In general, 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 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 putting 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 home heating costs by lowering your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. That 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 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 get back to your house, turn up the temperature slowly. That will keep your heating system from performing too hard, which could happen if you raise the temperature on your thermostat very high right away.

Cost-Efficient Thermostat Settings While You Are Asleep

The great news about sleep-time thermostat settings in the winter is that people generally sleep well when it’s a little colder. The National Sleep Foundation reports somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the best temperature range for great sleep.

More Ways to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

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

Check your insulation levels

Insulate doors, windows and walls to reduce drafts, keep warm air inside and avoid heat loss. This will limit the stress on your heating equipment and save energy.

Buy a programmable thermostat

Install 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 required.

For even more savings, install a smart thermostat that can perceive when you are in or out and modify the temperature appropriately. To learn more about these systems or for smart thermostat installation in Muskogee, contact the skilled technicians at Hix Air Conditioning Service, Inc.. We can tell you how smart thermostats can help your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Schedule furnace maintenance:

Schedule regular maintenance for your HVAC system. A well-maintained system functions more efficiently, decreasing energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters routinely to ensure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Muskogee, call the team at Hix Air Conditioning Service, Inc.. Our trained technicians will get your system in top shape!

Seal air leaks

Detect and close off any air leaks in your home. Frequent places for leaks tend to be windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Plugging these gaps prevents warm air from escaping, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfy 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. Modern furnaces are very efficient, which can significantly decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re interested in getting a new heating system, call the pros at Hix Air Conditioning Service, Inc.. We’re recognized for knowledgeable furnace installation in Muskogee and will help you find a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 918-682-8238 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!