Adjust Your Thermostat and Save Money During the Cold Months

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

With numerous options and techniques available, homeowners can decrease your heating costs while still making your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Regardless of whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are many ways to find the ideal balance between warmth and savings.

In general, a good rule of thumb is the lower the temperature in 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 heating.

Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re around your home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) suggests setting your thermostat to between 68°F and 70°F in the winter. That’s warm enough to keep the majority 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 reports you can save as much as 10% on your home heating costs by decreasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. This 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 set your thermostat as low as 50 degrees. Doing this 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, raise 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 very high right away.

Recommended Thermostat Settings While You Are Asleep

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

Other Ways to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are several other approaches you can employ so you 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 protect against heat loss. This will minimize the pressure on your HVAC system and save energy.

Set up a programmable thermostat

Put in a programmable thermostat to regulate the temperature in your home effortlessly. Set lower temperatures when you're away or asleep and increase them only when necessary.

For even more savings, purchase a smart thermostat that can detect when you are in or out and modify the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these gadgets or for smart thermostat installation in Cedar Rapids, contact the skilled technicians at Ilten's. We can tell you how smart thermostats can improve your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Plan furnace maintenance:

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

For furnace maintenance in Cedar Rapids, call the team at Ilten's. We will get your system in excellent working order!

Seal air leaks

Find and fill in any air leaks in your home. Frequent places for leaks including windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing these gaps stops warm air from leaking out of your home, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a cozy 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 need, furnace replacement may be a smart long-term solution. Today’s furnaces are very efficient, which can notably decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re contemplating investing in a new heating system, call the pros at Ilten's. We’re noted for knowledgeable furnace installation in Cedar Rapids and will help you pick a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 319-208-2351 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!