Thermostat Tips - Winter Months

You may have heard conflicting information about what is best to do with your thermostat during the winter months and how to use it in the best way possible.

This is definitely one of those topics where everyone is going to have their own opinion. The reason there’s conflicting information about what the best practices for a thermostat are is that there are two schools of thought regarding this topic.

1) Those who want to save money on their heating costs
2) Those that want to be comfortable in their home

Basically, you have to find the right balance between cost and comfort that works best for you. Here are some tips to share that can help you find the balance that will work the best for you.

1. GET TO KNOW YOUR THERMOSTAT

Learn about the specific thermostat model you have in your home. Read the user manual or research your thermostat online to see how it works and if there are any recommendations made on how to use it.

2. PROGRAM YOUR THERMOSTAT

Today’s programmable thermostats make it easy to regulate your home’s temperature and energy use. If you don’t already have a programmable thermostat installed in your house, it would be good to upgrade to one. If you already have a programmable thermostat, check what is programmed in and take into account any daily routine changes from the previous year (ex. when you are away at work or when you get home from work).

For winter, Energy.gov states the ideal thermostat temperature is 68 degrees Fahrenheit when you're at home and awake and suggests lowering it a few degrees while you're asleep or away. If you can lower it 7-10 degrees while you’re away during the day for about 8 hours, you can save up to 10% a year on your energy bills. There are even smart thermostats that have sensors you can control with your phone and some that learn from your daily habits and adjust the settings accordingly to be more efficient and further maximize energy savings.

3. MAKE A SMALL TEMPERATURE CHANGE

Adjust your temperature settings down a degree or two to avoid wasting energy and save some money on your heating bill. You can put an extra layer on, grab a blanket or slippers to help make up the difference. At night, you can nudge your thermostat down a little more. Your PJs and blankets will help keep you cozy. If you have strong sensitivities to temperature change, initially set your thermostat at the most comfortable temperature and then gradually work toward the recommended setting of 68 degrees. Or, if you can do so comfortably, start at the farthest end of the suggested temperature spectrum and change settings until you find one that fits your lifestyle and comfort levels.

4. LOWER THERMOSTAT TEMPERATURE WHEN YOU'RE AWAY

If possible, alter your thermostat settings when no one will be at home such as during the day when you're at work and kids are at school. Try and have your home set at a lower, energy-efficient temperature for at least eight hours each day.

If you are away from your home for more than a day, lower the temperature on the thermostat significantly (5-10 degrees). However, set it to be above 56 degrees to avoid having your pipes freeze during really cold weather. This can help save you some money on your heating bill while you are away and not using the heat anyway.

5. REPLACE THERMOSTAT BATTERIES

Remember to replace the batteries in your thermostat once a year to ensure that it is operating correctly. If your thermostat isn’t working properly, changing the batteries could be a good place to start.

Feel free to take these suggestions and tweak them to suit your own balance between comfort and cost levels, but remember that every single degree matters. Even though the difference between 68F and 69F may not seem like much, you’ll notice an increase in your energy bill.