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Thermostat Hacks for Winter Temperatures

Written by Vaughan Comfort Services on . Posted in .

Key Takeaways:

  • Optimizing the energy efficiency of your thermostat can drastically decrease your monthly energy bill.
  • The thermostat temperature not matching room temperature is a common sign that your thermostat has operational issues and needs service.
  • Air conditioning and heating systems depend on thermostats, and considering the lack of DIY fixes, you may need professional help.
  • A smart thermostat lets you program settings that function as an easy hack for eco-smart homeowners.

As winter approaches, we would like to address a common misconception regarding thermostat operation, and one that is probably driving up your energy bill: the idea that setting your thermostat higher will warm your home more quickly. We wish we could tell you that this is true, but cranking the heat way up will not do the trick. The explanation is simple: your system can only do so much at one time. Making any indoor climate change takes time as your unit cycles on and off, and you cannot speed this process up.

So, how should you set your thermostat so that your heater is operating at peak performance this winter? Read on for a few hacks to keep your indoor environment comfortable and your energy bill reasonable this season.

Winter Thermostat Hack 1: Program (Or Adjust) Your Thermostat

A smiling man in winter clothing adjusts thermostat beside a festive wreath; the background suggests a residential setting with visible snowy exterior.

We cannot overstate the importance of programming your thermostat during the winter months. If you do not have a programmable thermostat, make it a priority to remember to adjust your thermostat at different times of the day.

Setting your thermostat around 5 degrees lower than normal when you are away from your home will help lower your energy bills while reducing wear on your HVAC system. The U.S. Department of Energy notes the efficacy of this approach and also clarifies an important point: “A common misconception associated with thermostats is that a furnace works harder than normal to warm the space back to a comfortable temperature after the thermostat has been set back, resulting in little or no savings. In fact, as soon as your house drops below its normal temperature, it will lose energy to the surrounding environment more slowly.”

Winter Thermostat Hack 2: Ease Into Cooler Thermostat Settings

Some families are simply accustomed to enjoying an indoor environment on the warmer side. If this describes you, work toward maintaining a 68-degree environment when everyone is home. You do not have to make this change all at once; if you regularly set your thermostat to, say, 72 degrees, try lowering the temperature by one degree each day until everyone has had time to adjust to a cooler indoor climate.

Once you have made this change, work toward lowering the heat by 3-5 degrees overnight. These adjustments will not only benefit your energy bill; they will ease the burden on your HVAC system and keep it running smoothly all winter long.

Other Winter Efficiency Hacks

Other efficiency hacks are available that can help lower the costs of your HVAC system. During the winter months, you have a reason to wear comfortable clothes and blankets to bed, so don’t hesitate to cut the thermostat down a few degrees at night.

During the daytime, leave your blinds open to let heat in the house. It may be cold outside, but the sun always generates heat that can find its way into your home. Additionally, you can use alternatives to HVAC heating, like gas fireplaces and heaters, which are much more cost-efficient to run than HVAC systems.

Why New Jersey Homeowners Choose Us

A man in a hardhat is installing a thermostat, concentrating as he works with a screwdriver, in a white-walled room under renovation.

At Vaughan Comfort Services, we have been providing HVAC services to South Jersey since 1937, when Elwood Vaughan operated out of a single truck. Since then, we have grown to offer a range of HVAC services while staying current with the latest developments in HVAC tech. With a commitment to quality, integrity, honesty, and accountability, Vaughan offers services you can count on.

Keep Your Home Heated This Winter

The winter cold can be brutal, but these thermostat hacks can help you get the most out of your system. If you have any HVAC needs at any time, don’t hesitate to reach out to Vaughan Comfort Services. We’ve been helping people in South Jersey for decades, and we can offer you our acclaimed service. Contact us today to learn more about what we can offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Doesn’t the Room Temperature Match My Thermostat?

The actual temperature of your home may not match the thermostat setting for a range of reasons, including the following.

  • Dirty thermostat: If your thermostat’s sensors are dirty, they may not get a proper room temperature reading. Since it reads warmer than it actually is, this can be a severe problem in winter.
  • Poor location: A thermostat is typically fixed on a wall, but its positioning can affect its readings. If the thermostat is exposed to sunlight or heat-generating appliances for an extended period, the sensors may register a room warmer than it feels.
  • Faulty wiring: Thermostats with faulty wiring can give inaccurate readings. Given the complexity of the wiring, it’s best to contact our technicians for repairs or replacements.

Insufficient power: If your thermostat isn’t getting enough power, its performance will be impacted. It could take a long time to react to temperature changes, or may not register them at all.

How to Know if Your Thermostat is Bad

A bad thermostat is defined by its inability to measure temperature correctly. If you find that your thermostat has mismatched temperature readings and temperature settings, it’s a clear sign that something is wrong. Additionally, a bad thermostat may power cycle too often or simply cut off entirely on its own because it is not getting enough power.

How Can I Calibrate My Thermostat for More Accurate Temperature Control?

A professional can help with the technical aspects of thermostat calibration, but you can alter settings with a smart or programmable thermostat. These thermostats allow you to program settings that will automatically go into action when certain conditions are met. For example, you can program your thermostat for a cooler house in winter during the day when at work and warmer in the evening when you’re home.

NJ LIC. NO.13VH01727600
Robert W. Vaughan,
Master HVACR Contractor Lic. # 5842
Thomas J. Weaver,
Master Plumber Lic # 9521

Contact Info
VAUGHAN COMFORT SERVICES
212 Barrett Avenue
Magnolia, NJ 08049
856-627-0303

© Vaughan Comfort Services