Set Your Thermostat and Save Money During Winter

As winter approaches and the temperature drops, finding ways to save money on your heating bills becomes a top priority. One of the best techniques is adjusting your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without compromising comfort.

With several options and techniques available, homeowners can lower your heating costs while still making your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are plenty of ways to find the perfect balance between warmth and savings.

Overall, 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 exterior temperature, the more money you will save on your HVAC bills.

Money-Saving Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

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

Effective Temperature Settings While You Are Away

The DOE reports you can save as much as 10% on your home heating costs by turning down your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By using this method, 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 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 waiting for you when you get home.

When you arrive home, increase the temperature gradually. That will keep your heating system from running too hard, which it could if you raise the temperature on your thermostat quite high right away.

Recommended Thermostat Settings While You Are in Bed for The Night

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

More Ways to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are a number of other ways 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 minimize drafts, keep warm air inside and prevent heat loss. This will decrease the pressure on your heating equipment and save energy.

Set up a programmable thermostat

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

For even more savings, purchase a smart thermostat that can detect when you are in or out and change the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these systems or for smart thermostat installation in Mason City, contact the skilled technicians at Mechanical Air Systems Co. We can explain how smart thermostats can benefit your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Arrange furnace maintenance:

Plan to hire someone to do regular maintenance for your HVAC system. A well-maintained heating system functions more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and probably avoiding costly repairs. Clean or replace air filters on a regular basis to ensure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Mason City, call the team at Mechanical Air Systems Co. Our specialists will get your system in peak condition!

Seal air leaks

Find and seal any air leaks in your home. Common sites for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing these gaps blocks warm air from leaking out of your home, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a cozy 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 need, furnace replacement may be an ideal long-term option. Modern furnaces are extremely efficient, which can notably reduce your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re considering upgrading to a new heating system, phone the specialists at Mechanical Air Systems Co. We’re noted for skilled furnace installation in Mason City and will help you find a unit that’s well suited for your home! Call 641-243-4654 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!