Set Your Thermostat and Save Money During the Cold Months

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

With several options and techniques available, homeowners can reduce your heating costs while still keeping 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 rule of thumb 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 heating.

Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re at home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recommends putting your thermostat to between 68°F and 70°F in the winter. That’s warm enough to keep most families cozy, but also low enough to be energy efficient.

Effective Temperature Settings While You Are Away

The DOE states 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 needlessly spending 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 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 while you are away.

When you get back to your house, turn up the temperature bit by bit. That will keep your heating system from working too hard, which could be the case if you raise the temperature on your thermostat really high right away.

Cost-Efficient Thermostat Settings While You Are in Bed for The Night

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 reports somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the ideal temperature range for good sleep.

More Tactics to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are several other ways you can employ so you consume less energy this winter while you heat your home. They include:

Examine your insulation levels

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

Buy a programmable thermostat

Install 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 necessary.

For even more savings, install a smart thermostat that can detect when you are in or out and change the temperature correctly. To learn more about these gadgets or for smart thermostat installation in Carpentersville, contact the skilled technicians at Controlled Comfort HVAC. We can tell you how smart thermostats can help your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Schedule furnace maintenance:

Plan regular maintenance for your heating system. A well-maintained furnace functions more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or replace air filters regularly to assure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Carpentersville, call the team at Controlled Comfort HVAC. Our specialists will get your system in top shape!

Seal air leaks

Locate and close off any air leaks in your home. Typical sites for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Plugging these gaps blocks warm air from leaking out of your home, 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 want, furnace replacement may be a good long-term option. Modern day 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, phone the professionals at Controlled Comfort HVAC. We’re known for skilled furnace installation in Carpentersville and will help you choose a unit that’s well suited for your home! Call 224-412-8308 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!