A Guide to Adjusting Your Thermostats to Save Money This Winter

For some households, the winter months are equivalent to increased electric bills. No one wants to freeze during these cold days, but did you know that the thermostat’s correct usage can help you reduce your heating electricity bill compared to your average? Knowing the simple measures and little changes you can take will make a huge difference to your winter spending.

Follow these tips to help you save more this winter season: 

Tip #1: Be Mindful of Your Thermostat’s Placement

Where you will place your thermostat will affect the way it responds to the overall room temperature. If you want an accurate reading, here are the things you should keep in mind:

• Make sure your thermostat is not placed somewhere with direct sunlight. The heat can confuse the thermostat and make it believe that the house is warmer than it is. It can make the HVAC system work incorrectly as a result.

• Do not consider putting your thermostat in the kitchen. It is typically the warmest room in the house because it contains appliances that produce heat, such as the oven and stove. When someone is cooking, the thermostat may confuse the room temperature as warm. 

• Never place your thermostat in the hallways. That area of your home is usually empty, which is not the best place to gauge the overall house temperature. This long and narrow area of your home restricts the flow of air, and with numerous people walking past the hallways, one might bump and accidentally switch the settings of your thermostat—rendering your unit’s reading faulty and useless.

• Never place your thermostat directly above the air vents, as it can confuse the thermostat’s temperature reading. The air coming out of the vent will always be either warmer or cooler than the actual room temperature. Like the air vents, placing the thermostat near the door and windows can produce the same effect. 

Place your thermostat in the room that will best represent the real feel of air temperature in your home. Consider where your family spends most of their time indoors. That way, you are sure that you will get the most comfortable settings in the room you most frequently used. 

Tip #2: Consider Setting Your Thermostat to 68 Degrees Fahrenheit

Energy Saver recommends setting the thermostat at 68 degrees Fahrenheit in winter, as it can help people save more money. It is the ideal temperature setting when the whole family is awake, giving just the right comfort. To save more, consider lowering it down to around 10 to 12 degrees Fahrenheit at night, while you sleep, or if you are going out of the house. 

Tip #3: Avoid Constantly Changing the Room Temperature

Did you know that continually raising and lowering your temperature in a day can cost you more over time? The act can cause your air conditioner and furnace to start and stop, which will force the whole system to work harder and longer to get the target temperature back up. 

To save more money this winter, consider setting your thermostat in one ideal temperature for at least eight hours. As mentioned, you can change the temperature when going out or going to bed. 

Tip #4: Get an Updated Thermostat

If you do not have a smart or programmable thermostat yet, it is time to invest in one. These upgraded thermostats can make your house comfortable without consuming too much energy. A programmable thermostat will allow you to set changes in temperature on a preset schedule. Smart thermostats can study the way you use your HVAC system and make adjustments on their own. They can also be controlled even when you go out through the use of an app. 

Conclusion

A property’s HVAC system takes the most considerable portion of every household’s energy bills during winter. You do not have to freeze yourself during these cold days; you can simply do some routine changes and witness the difference! If you want to cut your heating cost this cold season, consider implementing the tips we provided. 

Are you in need of air conditioning services in Morris County, NJ? Comfort Specialists’ HVAC solutions is handled only by the best New Jersey home system experts. Whether you need HVAC maintenance and repair or a Sears ductless air conditioning installation, we got you covered 24/7 without extra charges. Contact us at (973) 250-4969 today!