When it’s cold outside, it’s nice to be warm inside. However, constantly setting your thermostat to make your home feel like a balmy island retreat will send your bills skyrocketing.
You can save on oil heat by strategically programming your thermostat in the winter
Programmable thermostats increase the efficiency of your furnace. It uses more oil and more energy to heat a cold home than it does to warm up a moderately chilly home.
Continue reading to learn how to use a smart thermostat to save money on heating oil.
Choose an Oil Delivery Service That Goes the Extra Mile
Sperr’s Fuel works hard to ensure your home is fueled so your family stays warm.
We serve Glen Mills, Ridley Park, Swarthmore, and the surrounding areas.
Start with a modern thermostat
If you live in an older home, there is a chance you have a manual, dial thermostat.
Vintage good looks aside, this type of thermostat will not help you “set it and forget it” and save on your energy costs.
You need a modern, programmable thermostat.
Programmable thermostats can cost as little as $25-$60 for basic programmable thermostats to $200-$300 for more expensive, smart thermostats.
These thermostats can often be a DIY install, saving you money. They also will provide more accurate readings of your home’s temperature.
Best temperature settings to save money
You can save as much as 10% a year on heating by adjusting your thermostat 10° when you are away from home.
In the winter, the magical energy-efficient temperature number while you are awake 68°F.
During your away sleeping hours, you can adjust this to 58° to avoid running your thermostat nonstop.
Program your thermostat based on your waking, work, and sleep schedules
Programmable thermostats have different options when it comes to setting your schedule. Some you can customize per day of the week, others you can set on a weekly schedule that repeats. When shopping for your programmable thermostat, be sure to consider your schedule when purchasing.
For many people though, you will want to adjust your thermostat based on the following:
- Wake time: Program your furnace to kick on 30 minutes to an hour before you wake so your home is warm as you rise.
- Leave time: Schedule the temperature to decrease by 10° at the time you leave for work or school for the day. There is no need to heat an empty home!
- Return time: Like your waking time, set your furnace to increase to 68° (or your desired temperature) 30-60 minutes before you are scheduled to return home. This ensures you are coming home to a cozy environment.
- Sleep time: Once again, drop the temperature by 10° when you normally go to bed. Not only will this help save on your heating costs, but it’s also proven that sleeping in cooler environments is better for our health.
Reduce stress on your furnace with strategic programming
A furnace that runs at the same temperature all day is enduring maximum wear and tear.
Secondly, if you are frequently heating a cold house 15 or more degrees, you are placing more stress on your furnace.
By programming a thermostat, you are helping your furnace do less work. And you are burning less fuel to keep your home warm.
Save money on your heating bill with a programmable thermostat
Programmable thermostats are another “set it and forget it” heating strategy that adds convenience and saves your budget.
Programming your thermostat in the winter can help you use less oil and make your furnace more efficient.
