Set Your Thermostat and Save Money During Winter

As winter gets closer and the temperature falls, finding ways to save money on your power bills becomes a top priority. One of the best ways is modifying your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without losing 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 many ways to find the ideal balance between warmth and savings.

As a whole, a good guideline 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 heating.

Ideal Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re going to be 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 comfortable, but also low enough to be energy efficient.

Effective Temperature Settings While You Are Away

The DOE reports you can save approximately 10% on your HVAC 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.

Industry professionals 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 get back to your house, raise the temperature gradually. That will keep your heating system from working too hard, which could happen if you raise the temperature on your thermostat quite high right away.

Suggested Thermostat Settings While You Are in Bed for The Night

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 states somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the best temperature range for great sleep.

Additional Ways to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are several other techniques 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 cut down on drafts, keep warm air inside and prevent heat loss. This will limit the stress on your HVAC system and save energy.

Install a programmable thermostat

Put in a programmable thermostat to manage the temperature in your home efficiently. Set lower temperatures when you're out of your home or asleep and increase them only when needed.

For even more savings, set up a smart thermostat that can perceive when you are in or out and modify the temperature correctly. To learn more about these gadgets or for smart thermostat installation in Chelan and Wenatchee, get a hold of the skilled technicians at Lakeside Heating & Air. We can tell you how smart thermostats can improve your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Plan furnace maintenance:

Schedule regular maintenance for your heating and cooling system. A well-maintained system functions more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or replace air filters regularly to assure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Chelan and Wenatchee, call the team at Lakeside Heating & Air. Our specialists will get your system in top shape!

Seal air leaks

Locate and close off any air leaks in your home. Common spots for leaks tend to be windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing these gaps blocks warm air from seeping out, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a sufficient temperature.

Update your HVAC system

If your furnace 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 decision. Modern day furnaces are very efficient, which can significantly decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re considering getting a new heating system, call the specialists at Lakeside Heating & Air. We’re noted for knowledgeable furnace installation in Chelan and Wenatchee and will help you pick a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 509-284-4265 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!