Devin Jacobs
As the chill of winter settles in, many homeowners brace themselves for high heating bills. But what if your thermostat is the key to keeping both your home warm and your costs low? A few simple adjustments can make all the difference. So, let’s explore ten easy tweaks that can help you stay cozy and keep your wallet happy.
Set It and Forget It
Changing the temperature every few hours won’t save you money—it’ll actually make your system work harder. Instead, pick a consistent setting. This avoids overuse of your heater, which leads to unnecessary energy consumption. Stick with a stable temperature and feel good about it later when the bill arrives!
Lower the Thermostat at Night
Ever notice how cozy your bed feels when it’s a little cooler in the room? Lowering the thermostat while you sleep gives your system a break and helps you get a better night’s rest. The chilly air won’t affect your sleep quality, but it’ll certainly help your heating costs.
Program Your Thermostat
Not every room in the house needs to be heated all day. Programming your thermostat helps you manage your heating efficiently without constant manual adjustments. Set it to lower the temperature when you’re away and raise it before you return home. This ensures you’re not heating an empty house.
Keep It Away From Heat Sources
Placing your thermostat near heat sources can lead to inaccurate temperature readings. When the thermostat detects warmth, it may think the room is warmer than it actually is, triggering the heater to run longer than necessary. To ensure your thermostat reads the room’s true temperature, move it to a more neutral location.
Use Zone Heating for Unused Rooms
Heating the whole house might not be necessary when you’re only using a few rooms. With zone heating, you can direct heat only where you need it. Adjust the thermostat in unused spaces or close vents in those rooms, and direct the warmth to where you’re spending time. The less wasted heat, the better!
Seal Drafts Before Adjusting
A thermostat can’t do much when your home is leaking warmth like a sieve. Take the time to check for drafts around windows and doors. Sealing those gaps helps your heating system maintain the desired temperature so your thermostat doesn’t have to work overtime. Simple fixes like weatherstripping can really make a difference.
Use Ceiling Fans to Circulate Warm Air
The warm air you’re paying for tends to rise to the ceiling, leaving the lower half of the room chilly. Reversing the direction of your fan helps push that heat down where you want it. It’s a small adjustment that makes the thermostat’s job easier and keeps you comfortable without constantly cranking up the heat.
Opt for Smart Thermostat Upgrades
Upgrading to a smart thermostat can act as a game-changer for controlling heating costs. Unlike traditional models, smart thermostats learn your schedule and adjust temperatures automatically based on your habits. Though the initial investment may seem higher, the long-term savings on your bills can make it worth the upgrade.
Avoid Overheating Your Home
It’s tempting to crank the heat up when it’s cold outside, but it doesn’t really help. Aim to keep the temperature a few degrees lower than you might normally prefer, especially when you’re sleeping or away. Even small adjustments, like lowering it to 68°F during the day, can make a difference in your heating costs.
Maintain Your Thermostat
Your thermostat might seem like a simple device, but even it needs some TLC. Dust and dirt buildup can mess with its sensors, making it less accurate. Wipe it down every so often, check the settings, and make sure it’s working smoothly. Most importantly, a little maintenance keeps it running efficiently.