How to Use Your Thermostat to Save Money During Winter Weather

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

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

Overall, a good guideline is the lower the temperature within 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) suggests 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 Are Away

The DOE estimates you can save as much as 10% on your HVAC costs by turning down your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. This way, you’re not needlessly spending 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 adjust 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 waiting for you when you get home.

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

Suggested Thermostat Settings While You Are Sleeping

The good 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 ideal temperature range for good sleep.

Additional 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:

Examine your insulation levels

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

Install a programmable thermostat

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

For even more savings, install a smart thermostat that can detect when you are in or out and change the temperature correctly. To learn more about these gadgets or for smart thermostat installation in Santa Clarita, consult with the skilled technicians at Verona HVAC. We can explain how smart thermostats can improve your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Schedule furnace maintenance:

Plan regular maintenance for your HVAC system. A well-maintained furnace operates more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters routinely to make sure your unit has proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Santa Clarita, call the team at Verona HVAC. Our specialists will get your system in top shape!

Seal air leaks

Detect and close off any air leaks in your home. Frequent places for leaks including windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Plugging these gaps blocks warm air from leaking out of your home, 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 desire, furnace replacement may be a good long-term decision. Modern furnaces are extremely efficient, which can notably decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re interested in getting a new heating system, contact the pros at Verona HVAC. We’re known for skilled furnace installation in Santa Clarita and will help you choose a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 818-306-3387 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!