How to Use Your Thermostat to Save Money During Winter Weather

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

With multiple options and techniques available, it's possible to reduce your heating costs while still keeping your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Regardless of whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are plenty of ways to find the appropriate balance between warmth and savings.

As a whole, 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) advises putting your thermostat to between 68°F and 70°F in the winter. That’s warm enough to keep lots of families cozy, but also low enough to be energy efficient.

Effective Temperature Settings While You Going to Be Out of Your Home

The DOE estimates you can save up to 10% on your HVAC costs by turning down your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By doing this, you’re not throwing away money heating your home while you’re not there.

Industry professionals 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 waiting for you when you get home.

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

Cost-Efficient Thermostat Settings While You Are Asleep

The great 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 states 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 a number of other approaches 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 decrease the stress on your furnace and save energy.

Buy a programmable thermostat

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

For even more savings, buy a smart thermostat that can perceive when you are in or out and adjust the temperature appropriately. To learn more about these systems or for smart thermostat installation in Rapid City, contact the skilled technicians at Street Heating and Cooling. We can explain how smart thermostats can help your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Arrange furnace maintenance:

Schedule regular maintenance for your HVAC system. A well-maintained furnace operates more efficiently, decreasing energy consumption and probably avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters regularly to make sure your unit has proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Rapid City, call the team at Street Heating and Cooling. Our specialists will get your system in excellent working order!

Seal air leaks

Locate and seal any air leaks in your home. Common spots for leaks tend to be windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps blocks warm air from leaking out of your home, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a sufficient temperature.

Upgrade your HVAC system

If your HVAC equipment 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 very efficient, which can significantly reduce your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re interested in investing in a new heating system, contact the professionals at Street Heating and Cooling. We’re recognized for knowledgeable furnace installation in Rapid City and will help you find a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 605-206-3915 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!