How to Adjust Your Thermostat in Winter to Save Money but Stay Warm
Winter in Maryland can bring harsh cold days and long nights, making it essential to keep your home warm and comfortable. However, heating your home can also mean higher energy bills if your thermostat isn’t set correctly. At Snyder’s Plumbing & HVAC, we know how critical it is to balance warmth with energy efficiency. This guide will show Maryland homeowners how to adjust their thermostats properly in winter to save money without sacrificing comfort.
Why Adjusting Your Thermostat Matters
Heating is one of the largest energy expenses in many households. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, lowering your thermostat by just 7–10 degrees for 8 hours a day can save up to 10% a year on heating bills. That can be hundreds of dollars saved annually for Maryland homeowners.
https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/programmable-thermostats
Improper thermostat settings can lead to excessive energy use, strain your HVAC system, and even reduce its lifespan. Overheating wastes fuel and electricity, while setting temperatures too low can make your home uncomfortable and increase wear on your heating system as it struggles to maintain warmth.
Snyder’s Plumbing & HVAC has helped thousands of families in Frederick, Hagerstown, Boonsboro, and surrounding Maryland areas optimize their heating systems for cost-effective comfort. Here’s how you can do the same.
Step-by-Step Guide to Adjusting Your Thermostat for Winter Savings
1. Use a Programmable or Smart Thermostat
If you’re still using a manual thermostat, upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat is one of the easiest ways to save energy. These thermostats automatically adjust temperatures based on your schedule, reducing heating when you’re asleep or away. Snyder’s Plumbing & HVAC installs and services advanced thermostats designed for Maryland winters.
Tip: Program your thermostat to lower the temperature by 7–10 degrees while you’re sleeping or out of the home, then warm up shortly before you wake or return.
2. Set the Thermostat to the Lowest Comfortable Temperature
The Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to about 68°F (20°C) during the day when you’re home. If you can tolerate cooler temperatures with warm clothing and blankets, even setting it a degree or two lower can significantly cut costs.
Snyder’s experts advise Maryland homeowners to experiment with temperature settings within the 65°F to 68°F range to find a balance that works for your household.
3. Lower the Temperature When You’re Away or Sleeping
When leaving for work, school, or errands, set your thermostat back by at least 7 degrees. Lowering the temperature during sleep hours also reduces energy use without sacrificing comfort. Programmable thermostats make these adjustments automatically.
If your thermostat is manual, create a routine to remember adjusting it twice daily — morning and evening.
4. Avoid Extreme Temperature Swings
Frequently raising and lowering the thermostat drastically can confuse your heating system. Instead, aim for steady, moderate adjustments. A consistently set thermostat works more efficiently and prolongs your heater’s life.
5. Consider Zone Heating if Possible
If your home has multiple heating zones, adjust thermostats in unused rooms to a lower temperature. Snyder’s Plumbing & HVAC can help install or optimize zoning systems to support cost-effective heating in Maryland homes.
Additional Tips to Maximize Heating Efficiency This Winter
Seal Leaks and Insulate
Even the best thermostat setting won’t save energy if your home loses heated air through drafts and poor insulation. Check for leaks around windows, doors, and basement areas common in Maryland homes. Snyder’s Plumbing & HVAC partners with local insulation experts to improve home sealing and keep heat inside.
Maintain Your Heating System
A well-maintained HVAC system consumes less energy and heats better. Replace your HVAC filters regularly—ideally every 1–3 months as Maryland’s climate and indoor air quality demand. Snyder’s Plumbing & HVAC offers annual heating tune-ups, including filter checks and system inspections, to ensure reliable winter performance.
Use Ceiling Fans Wisely
Ceiling fans with a reverse (clockwise) setting can push warm air down from the ceiling, improving heating efficiency. Use this feature to complement your thermostat settings and reduce the workload on your heating unit.
Automate with Smart Home Integrations
Smart thermostats often integrate with mobile apps, allowing you to change settings remotely. You can adjust your home temperature on the go or based on weather forecasts. Snyder’s Plumbing & HVAC installs systems compatible with popular smart home brands, helping Maryland homeowners manage comfort efficiently.
Why Choose Snyder’s Plumbing & HVAC for Your Winter Heating Needs?
As a trusted Maryland HVAC and plumbing provider serving Hagerstown, Frederick, Boonsboro, and nearby communities, Snyder’s Plumbing & HVAC brings expert advice and professional service you can rely on. Our technicians are certified, experienced, and dedicated to helping homeowners save money while staying warm.
We offer:
- Thermostat installation, programming, and repair
- Heating system maintenance and emergency service
- Energy efficiency consultations tailored for Maryland homes
- Honest pricing and 24/7 emergency availability
Our local knowledge means we truly understand the challenges Maryland winters bring, and how best to prepare homes for comfort and cost savings.
See our YouTube Video here. https://youtu.be/T8ogMTaRHNs
Final Thoughts: Balance Comfort and Savings This Winter
Proper thermostat management in winter is a simple but powerful tool to control your heating costs while keeping your family warm. From choosing the right temperature settings to upgrading to smart thermostats, Snyder’s Plumbing & HVAC helps Maryland homeowners optimize their heating systems with proven solutions.
Don’t let high energy bills this winter surprise you. Follow these tips, schedule your heating maintenance, or call Snyder’s Plumbing & HVAC today for professional help that saves you money and adds lasting comfort.
Contact Snyder’s Plumbing & HVAC Today
For expert heating system advice and service in Hagerstown, Frederick, Boonsboro, and surrounding MD areas, call Snyder’s Plumbing & HVAC at (301) 739-1045. Stay warm, save money, and enjoy peace of mind this winter season.
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