Everyone wants to have an efficient home when it comes to heating and cooling, especially during the extreme summer and winter months in Minnesota. That’s why it’s important to give your thermostat the most help you can, making the job of heating and cooling your home easier and more efficient.

Let’s look at a few ways you can help your thermostat out this winter.

Lower Your Thermostat

One of the best ways you can get some good mileage out of your thermostat this winter is to lower it. Each degree you lower the thermostat decreases your fuel bill by about 3%! Going from 72°F to 68°F might not make much of a difference when it comes to comfort, but could easily shave 12% off your heating bill.

If your home still utilizes a coil thermostat, those do need to be cleaned occasionally. We offer thermostat cleaning and repair services, so just give us a call.

Change Your Furnace Filter

With a forced air system, regularly changing your furnace filter can save you up to 5% on your heating bill and reduce dust and other irritants in the air. The system as a whole will last longer and be less likely to break down with regular cleaning and maintenance.

A good rule of thumb is to change your furnace filter monthly during the heating season. Be sure to measure your filter before shopping, or set yourself up with our maintenance plan and we’ll take care of your furnace for you.

Send Heat Down With Ceiling Fans

While not everyone agrees that ceiling fans help reduce energy costs, some believe they can help move warm air from the top of the room to the bottom, better circulating the heat. Make sure your fan is in the “winter” – or clockwise – position to send air down to the floor. During the summer, it should run counter-clockwise.

Also, run the fan at the lowest speed so the breeze isn’t too strong. If you feel the fan is doing more cooling than assisting with circulating the heat, turn it off.

Get A New Programmable Thermostat

With a programmable thermostat, you can preset temperatures for different times of the day. This can be a real money-saver all year long.

Choose lower-energy settings when you’re sleeping or away from home, and use higher-energy settings when you are awake at home – for example, set it at:

• 70°F from 5 a.m.-8:30 a.m.
• 60°F from 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
• 70°F from 5:30 p.m.-11 p.m.
• 60°F from 11 p.m.-5 a.m.

Depending on your usage, you could save 10-20% on your energy bill.

For more information, service on your furnace or a new thermostat or furnace, contact us today! And for more tips about saving energy, check out the U.S. Department of Energy’s website.