Adjust 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 most effective strategies is adjusting your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without sacrificing comfort.

With multiple options and techniques available, homeowners can reduce your heating costs while still making 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.

In general, a good rule is the lower the temperature inside 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 your HVAC bills.

Money-Saving Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re around your home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) suggests dialing 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 states you can save as much as 10% on your HVAC costs by decreasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. That way, 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 an extended period of time, you can adjust 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 arrive home, turn up the temperature little by little. That will keep your heating system from working too hard, which it could if you raise the temperature on your thermostat quite high right away.

Suggested Thermostat Settings While You Are in Bed for The Night

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 says somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the best temperature range for quality sleep.

Other Methods to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are many other ways you can use to consume less energy this winter while you heat your home. They include:

Evaluate your insulation levels

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

Install a programmable thermostat

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

For even more savings, set up a smart thermostat that can sense when you are in or out and adjust the temperature appropriately. To learn more about these systems or for smart thermostat installation in McKinney and Frisco, contact the skilled technicians at Bell Mechanical Services. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can benefit your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Schedule furnace maintenance:

Schedule regular maintenance for your heating system. A well-maintained furnace operates more efficiently, decreasing energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or replace air filters routinely to ensure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in McKinney and Frisco, call the team at Bell Mechanical Services. Our specialists will get your system in top shape!

Seal air leaks

Find and seal any air leaks in your home. Typical places for leaks including windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing 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 desire, furnace replacement may be an ideal long-term decision. Modern furnaces are extremely efficient, which can considerably decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re contemplating upgrading to a new heating system, contact the pros at Bell Mechanical Services. We’re noted for experienced furnace installation in McKinney and Frisco and will help you select a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 888-863-0560 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!