Set Your Thermostat and Save Money During Winter

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

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

Overall, 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 outdoor temperature, the more money you will save on heating.

Money-Saving 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 comfortable, but also low enough to be energy efficient.

Effective Temperature Settings While You Not at Home

The DOE reports you can save approximately 10% on your HVAC costs by turning down your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By using this method, 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 long period of time, you can put your thermostat as low as 50 degrees. This will be warm enough it will keep your furnace running so you don’t have any frozen or burst pipes while you are away.

When you get back to your house, increase the temperature little by little. That will keep your heating system from performing too hard, which it could if you raise the temperature on your thermostat very high right away.

Recommended Thermostat Settings While You Are Sleeping

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 says somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the best temperature range for quality sleep.

Other Ways to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are many other techniques you can utilize 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 counter heat loss. This will minimize the stress on your heating equipment and save energy.

Install a programmable thermostat

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

For even more savings, set up a smart thermostat that can sense when you are in or out and adjust the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these devices or for smart thermostat installation in Philadelphia, get a hold of the skilled technicians at Retro HVAC Service & Installation. We can tell you 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 system runs more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters on a regular basis to assure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Philadelphia, call the team at Retro HVAC Service & Installation. Our specialists will get your system in peak condition!

Seal air leaks

Detect and seal any air leaks in your home. Common spots for leaks including windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing these gaps prevents warm air from escaping, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfortable 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 a smart long-term decision. Today’s furnaces are very efficient, which can dramatically decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re contemplating getting a new heating system, call the professionals at Retro HVAC Service & Installation. We’re recognized for knowledgeable furnace installation in Philadelphia and will help you choose a unit that’s well suited for your home! Call 267-277-3851 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!