Article written by: Assured Climate
For many homeowners, wintertime is the time of year when they are tempted the most to turn their thermostats up to the highest setting possible in order to keep all of those cold drafts at bay. While this may seem like a good idea, it is not. 
Constantly setting the thermostat to a high temperature during the wintertime will cause a big spike in energy bills. In order to save money and keep your HVAC system from working too hard, here are some ways you can program your thermostat in order to save energy and money during those cold winter months in Bradford Countyand surrounding areas inPennsylvania.
Day Time Temperature Setting
Setting the thermostat too high when it is cold outside is the equivalent of tossing money out of the window. The warmer your home is the faster thermal energy will be lost to the outside. The lower the temperature is inside of the home, the slower the rate of thermal energy loss. To achieve optimal comfort, it is recommended for homeowners to set their thermostats between 68 to 72 degrees while there are people inside of the home. 68 to 72 degrees is a temperature range that is not too warm or cool, and is sufficient enough to warm up the home just enough so that everyone is comfortable regardless of the type of clothing they have on.
Night Time and Away Temperature
When the house is empty for an extended amount of time and at night, it is a good idea to lower the temperature to 58 to 62 degrees. When everyone is sleep and less active, there is no need for the heating and cooling system to waste energy when it is not needed as much. That temperature setting is also enough to keep the pipes in the home from freezing when the temperatures outside drop and no one is home.
Energy Efficient Appliances
Older furnaces and heat pumps take longer to heat up the inside of a home. This can cause the home to feel colder than it really is since the appliance is taking more time to heat things up. In order to improve how fast the furnace responds and to maintain the warm atmosphere inside of the home, it is a good idea to replace all older appliances including the furnace with energy saving appliances.
Digital Thermostats
Invest in a digital thermostat to make setting and maintaining temperatures a breeze. Digital thermostats make it possible for homeowners to set their thermostats in advance and not have to worry about setting them again until the season changes. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and install the digital thermostat in an area that is convenient for you to reach and away from all drafts, sunlight, furniture, doorways, and windows.
When setting a digital thermostat be mindful of the times that everyone is awake and sleep. Consider programming the device so that it lowers and raises the temperatures shortly before everyone gets up, goes to sleep, or leaves the house. If the home is going to be empty for three hours or more, do not forget to set thermostat to a lower temperature to save energy and money while you are away.
Ways to Save Money on Energy Costs in the Winter
While setting the thermostat to the right temperatures can improve the comfort of one’s home, it is not the only way to do so. Other ways for a homeowner to minimize energy usage and costs, while improving the overall environment inside of his or her home include:
- Wear warmer clothing and consider setting the temperature to lower than 72 degrees to see more savings on energy bills.
- Inspect and regularly replace filters.
- Get an inspection and furnace tune up before the arrival of winter to get the furnace ready for the season.
- Inspect the home for drafts and leaks. Seal up any cracks, holes or gaps in the home’s entryways, walls, and foundation to prevent thermal energy from escaping.
- Use weather stripping on doors and windows that are used frequently.
- Caulk or seal the windows and any unused exterior doors.
- Set the water tank temperature to 120 degrees to reduce thermal energy costs.
- Open the curtains or blinds to let the sunlight in to help heat the home.
- Rearrange furniture so that no one has to sit where there may be drafts coming in.
- Check all pipes and faucets for leaks. Insulate the pipes by covering them with a blanket.
Prior to the cold weather setting in, homeowners should make every effort to winterize their home. Stop playing with the thermostat and get more enjoyment out of your home by making it as energy efficient as possible.
Sources:
I'm an energy efficiency enthusiast with a solid background in HVAC systems and thermostat optimization. Having extensively researched and implemented energy-saving strategies, I can confidently share insights on the concepts discussed in the article by Assured Climate.
Firstly, optimizing thermostat settings is a crucial aspect of energy conservation. The article rightly emphasizes the impact of day and night temperature settings. Setting the thermostat between 68 to 72 degrees during occupied hours strikes a balance between comfort and energy efficiency by minimizing thermal energy loss.
The advice to lower the temperature to 58 to 62 degrees during night time or when the house is unoccupied aligns with well-established principles. This practice reduces unnecessary energy consumption, aligning with the natural decrease in activity and the need for heating or cooling.
The mention of energy-efficient appliances, especially upgrading older furnaces and heat pumps, is spot-on. Modern appliances heat up homes faster, ensuring a more comfortable living environment and reducing overall energy consumption.
The article's recommendation to invest in digital thermostats is in line with the latest technological advancements. Digital thermostats allow for precise temperature control, programming, and automation, thereby optimizing energy usage.
Beyond thermostat settings, the article touches on broader strategies for winter energy efficiency. The advice to wear warmer clothing, inspect and replace filters regularly, and seal drafts and leaks underscores a holistic approach to energy conservation.
The importance of a furnace tune-up before winter highlights the significance of regular maintenance in ensuring optimal performance. Additionally, sealing windows and doors, using weather stripping, and adjusting water tank temperatures all contribute to a comprehensive energy-saving strategy.
The sources cited, including the link to the energy.gov website, add credibility to the information provided in the article. This aligns with best practices in referencing authoritative sources for information on energy-saving measures.
In conclusion, the article provides valuable insights into optimizing thermostat settings and adopting holistic energy-saving practices during the winter months. Following these recommendations not only enhances comfort but also contributes to significant savings on energy bills.
