Should You Set Your Thermostat and Leave It in Winter?

One of the biggest debates around winter heating is whether it’s cheaper to set your thermostat and leave it or to turn it down (or off) periodically. Experts like Kerley Heating & Cooling suggest that the answer depends on several factors, including your home’s insulation, the efficiency of your heating system, and your personal comfort preferences.

Generally speaking, turning down the thermostat for extended periods, such as when you’re away at work or asleep, can lead to savings on your heating bill. Lowering the temperature by 7-10 degrees for 8 hours a day can result in savings of up to 10% annually on heating costs, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. However, if you’re constantly adjusting the thermostat or turning the system on and off, it could result in a less efficient heating process, especially if your system has to work harder to return to the desired temperature each time.

Kerley Heating & Cooling recommends finding a balance. If your home is well-insulated and retains heat effectively, setting the thermostat lower during certain hours may be worthwhile. For older homes or those with draft issues, maintaining a steady, moderate temperature might be the better choice to avoid unnecessary strain on your heating system.

How Low Should You Set Your Thermostat at Night?

Lowering the thermostat at night can contribute significantly to energy savings, as you can take advantage of blankets and other methods to stay warm while you sleep. Kerley Heating & Cooling suggests a nighttime temperature between 60-67°F as a sweet spot for both comfort and savings. If you’re using a programmable thermostat, you can easily set these lower temperatures to activate only during sleeping hours, making it a convenient way to save energy.

Is It Better to Close Off Vents in Unused Rooms?

Another common winter heating question involves closing vents in unused rooms to save on heating costs. While this may sound logical, closing vents can actually disrupt your HVAC system’s airflow balance and potentially cause inefficiency or even damage. Your HVAC system is designed to heat your entire home, so by restricting airflow in certain areas, you might unintentionally force the system to work harder, increasing wear and tear and reducing efficiency.

According to Kerley Heating & Cooling, it’s best to keep vents open throughout the home. However, for larger, underused spaces, consider adding an area-specific heating source like a space heater, which allows you to keep the main thermostat at a lower setting while keeping only occupied areas comfortably warm.

Winter is all but upon us! Days are shorter, temperatures are dropping, and our homes are becoming the cozy refuges we all need. But is your furnace ready to keep you and your family safe and warm? For a limited time, enjoy $50 off a comprehensive fall furnace cleaning and check to ensure your system is in top shape for the chilly months ahead.

Our expert team will meticulously clean and inspect your furnace, catching potential issues before they become costly repairs. This essential maintenance not only keeps your family safe from unexpected breakdowns but also optimizes your furnace’s efficiency—saving you money all winter long.

Don’t wait until it’s too late! Call today to schedule your fall furnace check-up and enjoy peace of mind knowing your home is ready to embrace the season. Stay cozy, stay safe!”

Does Setting the Thermostat Higher Heat the Home Faster?

Many people think that cranking the thermostat to a higher temperature will warm their home faster, but this is actually a misconception. Most heating systems function at a constant rate, meaning setting the thermostat higher than the desired temperature won’t increase the speed at which it heats. It will, however, potentially lead to overheating your home and raising your heating bill.

The best approach is to set the thermostat at your desired temperature and allow it time to gradually reach that level. Kerley Heating & Cooling advises against using extreme thermostat settings, as it can make your heating system work harder and consume more energy without the intended benefit.

Should You Use a Programmable or Smart Thermostat in Winter?

Switching to a programmable or smart thermostat is one of the easiest ways to optimize your heating system in winter. Programmable thermostats allow you to set customized schedules, so your system only operates at higher temperatures when needed, such as when family members are home and awake. Smart thermostats go a step further by learning your habits and adjusting automatically to maximize both comfort and energy savings.

According to Kerley Heating & Cooling, upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat can be a worthwhile investment for winter heating. These devices help prevent energy waste and often come with additional features, such as remote control via smartphone apps, allowing you to adjust settings even when you’re away from home.

Additional Winter Heating Tips

Here are a few more tips to maximize efficiency and stay comfortable during the winter months:

Seal Drafts – Inspect doors and windows for drafts and seal them using weather stripping or caulk. A well-sealed home reduces heat loss and eases the burden on your HVAC system.
Change Filters Regularly – Dirty filters reduce airflow and make your system work harder. Kerley Heating & Cooling recommends replacing filters every 1-3 months, depending on the type of filter and usage.
Keep Blinds Open During the Day – Utilize natural sunlight to warm your home during the day. At night, close blinds and curtains to add an extra layer of insulation.
Schedule an HVAC Tune-Up – Routine maintenance ensures that your heating system runs efficiently. A professional tune-up from Kerley Heating & Cooling can help identify issues early, improve performance, and prevent costly repairs.

Final thoughts on Winter Heating

Deciding whether to leave your thermostat set or adjust it during winter depends on your unique home environment and lifestyle. With guidance from experts like Kerley Heating & Cooling, you can make informed choices that balance comfort and cost-efficiency. By following these tips and staying mindful of your thermostat settings, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying a warm and budget-friendly winter.

Whether it’s learning about ideal thermostat settings or tips for maximizing heating efficiency, understanding the nuances of winter heating can help make this season more comfortable and affordable for you and your family.

If you need some help let us know, we’d love to work with you! ➡️ Contact Us Here!

Special thanks to the following source(s) for the image(s) used in the article: https://unsplash.com/photos/honeywell-home-wall-appliance-vO9-gal54go