Set Your Thermostat and Save Money During Winter Weather

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

With many options and techniques available, it's possible to lower your heating costs while still keeping your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are many ways to find the ideal balance between warmth and savings.

Overall, 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 going to be 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 lots 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 reports you can save approximately 10% on your heating costs by turning down your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By using this method, you’re not throwing away money heating your home while you’re not there.

Experts say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone a long 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 while you are away.

When you get back to your house, increase the temperature slowly. That will keep your heating system from working too hard, which could happen if you raise the temperature on your thermostat very high right away.

Cost-Efficient Thermostat Settings While You Are Sleeping

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

Other Methods to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are several other techniques you can utilize to consume less energy this winter while you heat your home. They include:

Examine your insulation levels

Insulate doors, windows and walls to cut down on drafts, keep warm air inside and prevent heat loss. This will minimize the workload on your heating equipment and save energy.

Set up a programmable thermostat

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

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, consult with the skilled technicians at Precision Mechanical. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can benefit your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Plan furnace maintenance:

Plan regular maintenance for your HVAC system. A well-maintained furnace runs more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters on a regular basis to make sure your unit has proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Rapid City, call the team at Precision Mechanical. We will get your system in excellent working order!

Seal air leaks

Find and fill in any air leaks in your home. Common places for leaks including windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Plugging these gaps prevents warm air from seeping out, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfortable temperature.

Improve your HVAC system

If your furnace 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 option. Contemporary furnaces are very efficient, which can notably decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re interested in upgrading to a new heating system, contact the professionals at Precision Mechanical. We’re known for knowledgeable furnace installation in Rapid City and will help you pick a unit that’s well suited for your home! Call 605-206-3766 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!