Adjust Your Thermostat and Save Money During the Cold Months

As winter approaches and the temperature dips, finding ways to save money on your power bills becomes a top priority. One of the simplest strategies is changing your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without losing comfort.

With multiple options and techniques available, homeowners can reduce your heating costs while still keeping 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 of thumb 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.

Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re at home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recommends putting your thermostat to between 68°F and 70°F in the winter. That’s warm enough to keep most 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 heating costs by lowering 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.

Experts say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone an extended 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 cause damage to your home while you're gone.

When you get back to your house, increase the temperature little by little. 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.

Recommended Thermostat Settings While You Are Asleep

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

Additional Tactics to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are several 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 minimize drafts, keep warm air inside and counter heat loss. This will minimize the pressure on your heating equipment and save energy.

Buy a programmable thermostat

Put in a programmable thermostat to control the temperature in your home conveniently. Set lower temperatures when you're not home or asleep and increase them only when needed.

For even more savings, install a smart thermostat that can perceive when you are in or out and change the temperature appropriately. To learn more about these devices or for smart thermostat installation in Manassas, contact the skilled technicians at Woody's Sudden Service. We can explain how smart thermostats can help your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Schedule furnace maintenance:

Schedule regular maintenance for your heating system. A well-maintained system operates more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or replace air filters on a regular basis to make sure your unit has proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Manassas, call the team at Woody's Sudden Service. Our specialists will get your system in peak condition!

Seal air leaks

Locate and close off any air leaks in your home. Frequent places for leaks tend to be windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing these gaps blocks warm air from escaping, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a cozy temperature.

Improve your HVAC system

If your furnace is old, inefficient or just isn’t able to keep your home as warm as you need, furnace replacement may be a smart long-term solution. Today’s furnaces are extremely efficient, which can significantly reduce your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re considering investing in a new heating system, contact the professionals at Woody's Sudden Service. We’re noted for knowledgeable furnace installation in Manassas and will help you find a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 703-278-2036 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!