Here in the northeast, we’re used to winters that quickly pivot from blasts of arctic cold to warmer stretches of weather that melt all the snow. This makes keeping your home at a comfortable temperature tricky and often expensive. Also, no one likes to be told to “put on a sweater.”
At Jack Hall Plumbing & Heating, our technicians know how to get the best performance from your furnace. Below are five tips from our team on how to set your thermostat, save money on your power bill, and keep everyone in the house warm this winter with some simple technology upgrades.
Make Sure the Thermostat is on “Auto”
During the winter season, keeping the thermostat set on “auto” is recommended because it boosts energy savings and reduces unnecessary wear and tear on the HVAC system. That’s because the “auto” setting only runs the blower when the system is actively heating. Your other option is the “on” thermostat setting which runs the fan continuously eating up electricity 24/7. Our technicians advise only using the “on” setting for short periods to tackle cold spots or boost air filtration if you have pets or someone in your home suffers from allergies. Otherwise, “auto” should be the default setting.
Dial In Temperature Settings
Setting the thermostat to 68 degrees will keep your home warm and comfortable, compensating for any heat loss through windows, doors, or walls. But it’s also important to drop the temperature by seven to 10 degrees at night and during the day if no one is home. This will save a significant amount of cash on the utility bill. Settings lower than this at night or when the house is unoccupied can be counterproductive because it makes the furnace work harder to get back up to a cozy temperature.
Gradually Lower the Temperature
If your family is used to a more tropical climate at home, don’t go for a drastic change to get to the recommended temperature range. Lower the thermostat by a degree or two every few days to give everyone a chance to acclimate (they may not even notice). This will allow the family to gradually adjust more comfortably, and the house will feel just as snug.
Let a Smart Thermostat Do the Work
At Jack Hall, we know there’s a lot of hype regarding smart thermostats, but we can tell you from experience that they are a great tool for managing your home’s energy use. They can be controlled remotely from your smartphone or tablet, learn your daily routine to adjust temperatures intelligently, and generate energy usage reports. It’s a simple, relatively inexpensive upgrade that enhances comfort and saves energy.
Winter Vacation? Don’t Go Too Low!
When you take a winter trip, you obviously don’t want to heat an empty house. The rule of thumb is to set the temperature five to ten degrees cooler than you usually do during the day, without going under 60 degrees. The logic behind this number is to minimize the risk of frozen pipes, especially in plumbing that runs through exterior walls or in unfinished spaces. Maintaining the temperature at 60 degrees or higher limits this risk.
Rely on Jack Hall to Keep Your North Country Home Warm All Winter Long
For people living in Bolton Landing, Queensbury, Saratoga, and across the North Country, our long, cold winters make keeping homes comfortably warm a challenge. At Jack Hall Plumbing & Heating, our team can inspect, maintain, and repair your HVAC system to ensure it runs at peak efficiency and operates safely year-round. It’s never too late to schedule a maintenance appointment, so contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive HVAC services.