How Your Thermostat Settings Can Save You Money This Winter
By Precision Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, Dirtworks – West Fargo, ND
North Dakota winters are no joke and neither are the heating bills that come with them. At Precision Plumbing Heating Cooling Dirtworks, we help area Fargo Moorhead area homeowners stay warm without wasting energy or money. One of the simplest ways to do that is by optimizing your thermostat settings.
Here’s how small adjustments can make a big difference in your comfort and your utility bill.
1. The Magic Number: 68°F When You’re Home
The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 68°F during the day when you’re home.
Why 68°F?
Because it’s the sweet spot where your heating system can operate efficiently while still keeping your home comfortable.
The lower the temperature difference between indoor warmth and outdoor cold, the less your furnace has to work, and the less you pay.
2. Lower It 7-10 Degrees When You’re Away or Sleeping
Turning your thermostat down by 7-10 degrees for 8 hours a day can save you up to 10% a year on heating costs.
Easy times to lower the temperature include:
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While you’re at work
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Overnight while you’re sleeping
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Anytime your home is empty for several hours
Pro Tip:
Most people sleep better in cooler temps, your wallet will too.
3. Consider a Smart or Programmable Thermostat
If you’re constantly adjusting your thermostat manually, you’re missing out on effortless savings.
Smart thermostats can:
✔ Learn your schedule
✔ Make automatic adjustments
✔ Monitor energy use
✔ Let you change temps from your phone
And if you’ve ever left home and forgotten to lower the thermostat, remote access alone can pay for itself.
If you’d like help installing a smart thermostat, our HVAC pros in Fargo Moorhead can set it up quickly and correctly.
4. Don’t Heat an Empty House
If your schedule varies, a smart thermostat or even simple programming can ensure you’re not paying for heat when no one is home.
Some models use geofencing to tell when you’re nearby, warming the house before you walk in the door.
5. Keep Your Furnace Tuned for Maximum Efficiency
Thermostat settings are only part of the picture. A poorly maintained furnace has to work harder no matter what temperature you set.
Make sure you:
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Replace filters regularly
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Schedule annual furnace maintenance
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Address odd noises or uneven heating early
A tuned system runs smoothly, burns less fuel, and lasts longer.
Our team at Precision can handle everything from furnace checkups to repairs to system replacements.
6. Seal Drafts & Improve Insulation
If your home leaks warm air, your furnace will run more often no matter what you set your thermostat to.
Simple fixes include:
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Weatherstripping doors
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Adding caulking around windows
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Closing fireplace dampers
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Adding insulation in attics or crawlspaces
These improvements complement your thermostat strategy and increase savings further.
Small Changes Today = Big Savings All Winter
With the right thermostat habits, you can stay cozy through the harsh West Fargo winter while keeping energy costs under control.
If you need help choosing a thermostat, maintaining your furnace, or improving your home’s heating efficiency, the experts at Precision Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, Dirtworks are here for you.
📞 Call us today to schedule heating service or thermostat installation!
Your comfort, and your wallet, will thank you.
https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/home-heating-systems
checkout what the US Dept of Energy says about home heating.
