Set Your Thermostat and Save Money During the Cold Months

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

With several options and techniques available, homeowners 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 in your home and the less difference there is between the air inside your home and the outside temperature, the more money you will save on heating.

Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re around your 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 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 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.

Experts say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone a prolonged period of time, you can put 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, increase the temperature slowly. That will keep your heating system from performing too hard, which could happen if you raise the temperature on your thermostat very high right away.

Suggested Thermostat Settings While You Are Sleeping

The great news about sleep-time thermostat settings in the winter is that people get good sleep when it’s a little colder. The National Sleep Foundation reports somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the optimal temperature range for quality sleep.

More Tactics 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:

Check your insulation levels

Insulate doors, windows and walls to reduce drafts, keep warm air inside and prevent heat loss. This will decrease the stress on your HVAC system and save energy.

Install a programmable thermostat

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

For even more savings, set up a smart thermostat that can perceive when you are in or out and change the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these products or for smart thermostat installation in The Bay Area, contact the skilled technicians at Contra Costa Heating & AC. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can help your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Schedule furnace maintenance:

Plan to hire someone to do regular maintenance for your heating and cooling system. A well-maintained system functions more efficiently, decreasing energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or replace air filters regularly to ensure proper airflow.

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

Seal air leaks

Detect and seal any air leaks in your home. Frequent places for leaks including windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps prevents warm air from seeping out, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a sufficient temperature.

Update 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 option. Today’s furnaces are extremely efficient, which can considerably decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re thinking about upgrading to a new heating system, phone the professionals at Contra Costa Heating & AC. We’re noted 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!