Adjust Your Thermostat and Save Money During Winter Weather

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

With multiple options and techniques available, you can decrease your heating costs while still making 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 perfect balance between warmth and savings.

In general, a good rule 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.

Ideal Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re at home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recommends setting your thermostat to between 68°F and 70°F in the winter. That’s warm enough to keep the majority 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 states you can save as much as 10% on your energy costs by decreasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. That way, you’re not wasting money heating your home while you’re not there.

Authorities 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 while you are away.

When you return to your home, turn up the temperature bit by bit. That will keep your heating system from running too hard, which could happen if you raise the temperature on your thermostat really high right away.

Recommended Thermostat Settings While You Are Asleep

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 great sleep.

More Ways to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are several other techniques 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 workload on your HVAC system and save energy.

Install a programmable thermostat

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

For even more savings, purchase a smart thermostat that can perceive when you are in or out and change the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these gadgets or for smart thermostat installation in The Bay Area, get a hold of the skilled technicians at Contra Costa Heating & AC. We can explain how smart thermostats can improve your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Schedule furnace maintenance:

Plan to hire someone to do regular maintenance for your heating system. A well-maintained heating system operates more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or replace air filters routinely to ensure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in The Bay Area, call the team at Contra Costa Heating & AC. We will get your system in peak condition!

Seal air leaks

Locate and seal any air leaks in your home. Typical places for leaks tend to be windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps blocks warm air from seeping out, 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 want, furnace replacement may be an ideal long-term option. Modern day furnaces are very efficient, which can notably reduce your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re thinking about investing in a new heating system, phone the professionals at Contra Costa Heating & AC. We’re recognized for experienced furnace installation in The Bay Area and will help you find a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 510-343-9841 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!