Stay warm and save with this thermostat setting in Pennsylvania this winter, experts say
As we enter 2024 and the winter season is in full swing, below-freezing temperatures are back in the forecast for central Pennsylvania.
Chilly days can prompt increases in your utility bills, too. A recent report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration predicts this winter’s prices for residential natural gas (the most common source of heat for U.S. homes) will drop about 21% for the average homeowner compared to last year, while costs for propane and electricity-based heating will likely remain flat.
Although utility costs are often outside of your control, there are many steps homeowners and renters can take to manage their expenses. If you’re hoping to lower your utility bills while staying warm in Pennsylvania this winter, here’s what you need to know.
How should I set my thermostat in Pennsylvania this winter?
The U.S. Department of Energy and its Energy Saver program recommend setting your thermostat to between 68 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day throughout the winter and lowering it when you sleeping or are away from home.
“During winter, the lower the interior temperature, the slower the heat loss,” the U.S. Department of Energy wrote online. “So, the longer your house remains at the lower temperature, the more energy you save, because your house has lost less energy than it would have at the higher temperature.”
Each winter, you can produce a difference of up to 3% in energy costs for each degree you raise or lower your thermostat from about 68 degrees, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission advises. Lowering the thermostat by even a few degrees in the winter can significantly shrink energy bills, the agency says.
Similar energy savings through your thermostat are available in the summer, too. The Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission recommends setting your thermostat at about 78 degrees in warmer months and raising it to roughly 85 degrees while you’re away from home. Doing this can produce similar per-degree savings of about 3% on your energy bills.
How can I save money around the house this winter?
The average Pennsylvania family spends roughly $2,000 each year on energy bills, and about half of the energy consumed in the commonwealth’s homes is spent heating indoor spaces, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Though some changes are difficult, there are many steps homeowners can take to stay warm while saving money and energy this winter. Here are a few recommendations from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection:
Clean your home’s warm-air registers, baseboard heaters and radiators often and make sure they are not blocked by furniture, carpeting or drapes.
Open your curtains (especially on south-facing windows) during the day to bring sunlight and its natural warmth into your home. Make sure to close them at night.
Avoid heating unused spaces and close vents in unused rooms. Continue heating rooms as needed to prevent pipes from freezing
Weather-strip your exterior doors and windows where you can feel leakage, and check the bottoms of doors to see if there are any gaps, which can produce significant airflow in and out of your home. Remedy gaps by installing door sweeps at the bottom of doors and insulating your windows with weather-stripping (foam, rubber, vinyl or metal) or insulating drapes or curtains. Window insulator kits (such as plastic window coverings) are also a convenient option.
If you have an attic, make sure its door is sealed well and closed tightly.
If you have a fireplace, keep the damper closed to avoid sending warm air up the chimney. Consider installing tempered glass and a heat-air exchange system that can blow warmed air back into the room. Additionally, check the seal on your fireplace damper and keep a carbon monoxide monitor on hand.
Have your furnace maintained by a heating professional to keep it efficient and running safely. Make sure to replace air filters as directed to keep your home’s air clean and the unit running well. A properly maintained furnace can reduce fuel consumption by about 10%.
Need help paying your utility bills in Pennsylvania?
To find help covering your home’s utility bills, visit pa211.org/get-help/utilities to connect with providers in your neck of the woods. You can filter by location to find local resources such as payment assistance programs for several categories, including electric, gas, heating, internet, telephone and even utility bill mediation.
Additional utility resources such as payment plans, low-income assistance programs and consumer protections are available online at pa211.org/utilities.
