Adjust Your Thermostat and Save Money During the Cold Months

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

With numerous options and techniques available, it's possible to lower 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 appropriate balance between warmth and savings.

In general, 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 outdoor temperature, the more money you will save on your HVAC bills.

Money-Saving 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 lots of families comfy, but also low enough to be energy efficient.

Effective Temperature Settings While You Going to Be Out of Your 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. That way, you’re not needlessly spending money heating your home while you’re not there.

Authorities say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone a long period of time, you can set 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 arrive home, turn up 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 very high right away.

Suggested Thermostat Settings While You Are Asleep

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

Other Techniques to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are a number of 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 cut down on drafts, keep warm air inside and counter heat loss. This will minimize the stress on your heating equipment and save energy.

Set up a programmable thermostat

Install a programmable thermostat to regulate the temperature in your home effectively. Set lower temperatures when you're not home or asleep and increase them only when required.

For even more savings, purchase a smart thermostat that can perceive when you are in or out and adjust the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these devices or for smart thermostat installation in Palm Coast, get a hold of the skilled technicians at Cooks Air Conditioning and Heating Specialists. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can help your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Arrange furnace maintenance:

Plan regular maintenance for your HVAC system. A well-maintained furnace runs more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters routinely to assure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Palm Coast, call the team at Cooks Air Conditioning and Heating Specialists. Our specialists will get your system in excellent working order!

Seal air leaks

Detect and fill in any air leaks in your home. Common spots for leaks including windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Plugging these gaps stops warm air from leaking out of your home, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfy temperature.

Upgrade your HVAC system

If your heating system 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 option. Today’s furnaces are extremely efficient, which can notably lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re considering upgrading to a new heating system, call the specialists at Cooks Air Conditioning and Heating Specialists. We’re noted for skilled furnace installation in Palm Coast and will help you pick a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 386-313-8766 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!