When Iowa’s winter cold sets in, keeping your home warm without driving up your heating bill can be a challenge. With average low temperatures dipping into the teens and highs rarely above freezing, your furnace works overtime to maintain comfort. The good news? Adjusting your thermostat strategically and upgrading to a smart energy-saving thermostat can help you stay cozy while reducing energy costs.
The Best Thermostat Settings for Winter Comfort and Savings
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the ideal winter thermostat setting for energy efficiency is 68°F while you’re home and awake. When you’re asleep or away, lowering the temperature by 7–10 degrees for 8 hours a day can save up to 10% annually on heating costs.
Here’s a quick guide for Iowa homeowners:
- Daytime (Home & Awake): 68-70°F
- Nighttime (Sleeping): 60-65°F
- Away from Home: 58-62°F
These settings help balance comfort with efficiency, especially when the wind chill makes it tempting to crank up the heat.
Automate Your Savings with a Smart Energy-Saving Thermostat
Manually adjusting your thermostat can be a hassle, which is where smart thermostats like the Nest Learning Thermostat come in. These devices automatically adapt to your schedule and preferences, learning when you’re home or away and optimizing energy use.
Smart thermostats also:
- Provide remote control via smartphone apps.
- Offer energy usage reports to track savings.
- Integrate with zoned heating systems for even greater comfort.
- Work seamlessly with high-efficiency furnaces and heat pumps.
If you’re interested in upgrading, Aspen Aire offers Nest thermostat installation and expert guidance on integrating smart home technology into your HVAC system.
Iowa-Specific Heating Cost Considerations
With fluctuating natural gas and electricity rates, many Iowa homeowners see their utility bills rise sharply between November and March. Regular furnace tune-ups ensure your system runs efficiently, while clean furnace filters improve airflow and performance.
For even greater savings, consider upgrading to a high-efficiency Rheem furnace or heat pump both designed to deliver reliable comfort even during Iowa’s coldest days.
More Ways to Stay Warm and Save
- Seal air leaks around windows and doors to prevent heat loss.
- Schedule annual maintenance with Aspen Aire’s HVAC Club Membership for priority service and discount benefits.
- Take advantage of financing options and current specials to make upgrades more affordable.
Stay Comfortable All Winter & Start Saving Today
Don’t let high heating bills freeze your budget. Aspen Aire Heating & Cooling has been keeping Iowa homes warm and efficient since 2006. Whether youre ready to install a smart energy-saving thermostat or need a winter furnace check-up, our licensed HVAC experts are here to help.
Call 515-257-8370 or request service online today to schedule your winter comfort consultation!