What’s the Right Way to Use Your Smart Thermostat in Winter
A smart thermostat is one of the most useful tools for keeping your home comfortable while managing energy use. During the winter months, adjusting your settings and making the most of your thermostat’s features can help reduce heating costs without sacrificing warmth. If you’re using a smart thermostat this winter, here’s how to get the most out of it.
Set an Energy-Efficient Schedule
One of the biggest advantages of a smart thermostat is its ability to follow a customized heating schedule. Instead of keeping your home at the same temperature all day, program your thermostat to adjust based on when you’re home, asleep, or away.
Here’s a general schedule to follow for energy savings and comfort:
- When you’re home and awake: Set the thermostat to 68°F for a balance of warmth and efficiency.
- When you’re asleep or away: Lower the temperature by 7–10 degrees to save on heating costs. A drop to around 60°F is typically enough to reduce energy use without making your home uncomfortably cold.
Many smart thermostats learn your habits over time and will suggest schedule adjustments based on your daily routine.
Use Remote Access to Adjust Settings
One of the best features of a smart thermostat is remote access. Whether you’re at work, traveling, or simply in another room, you can adjust your home’s temperature using an app on your phone.
If your plans change and you’ll be home earlier or later than expected, you can update your thermostat settings in real time. This helps ensure your home is warm when you need it without wasting energy when you don’t.
Enable Geofencing for Automatic Adjustments
Many smart thermostats offer geofencing, a feature that detects when you leave or return home using your phone’s location. When enabled, your thermostat will automatically lower the temperature when you leave and warm your home when you’re on your way back.
This feature removes the need to adjust the thermostat manually and ensures you’re never heating an empty home unnecessarily.
Take Advantage of Smart Home Integrations
If you have other smart devices in your home, consider integrating your thermostat with them for a more connected experience. Many smart thermostats work with:
- Smart speakers – Adjust the temperature using voice commands through devices like Amazon Echo or Google Nest Hub.
- Smart plugs – Control space heaters or fans alongside your thermostat for even more precise temperature control.
- Door and window sensors – Some smart thermostats can detect when doors or windows are left open and adjust heating accordingly.
These integrations can help fine-tune your energy use while making it easier to manage your home’s comfort.
Monitor Your Energy Use
Most smart thermostats provide energy reports that show heating trends and how much energy you’re using each day. Reviewing these reports can help you identify ways to adjust your habits for even greater savings.
Look for patterns—if you notice your heating system running frequently at certain times, consider adjusting your schedule or lowering the temperature slightly. Small changes can lead to noticeable savings over the course of the winter.
Use Adaptive Features for Efficiency
Many smart thermostats come with advanced features designed to optimize heating. Some common options include:
- “Auto-Schedule” – The thermostat gradually learns your routine and adjusts temperatures automatically.
- “Weather Response” – Some models adjust heating based on local weather forecasts, reducing energy waste on warmer days.
- “Air Circulation Mode” – This setting helps evenly distribute warm air throughout your home without constantly running the heater.
Enabling these features can improve comfort while keeping heating costs in check.
Adjust Humidity Settings for Comfort
Winter air can be dry, which can make your home feel colder than it actually is. If your smart thermostat has a built-in humidity sensor, use it to maintain indoor humidity levels between 30–50%. Proper humidity levels help the air feel warmer, reducing the need to increase the thermostat setting.
Using a humidifier alongside your smart thermostat can improve overall comfort and prevent your heating system from working harder than necessary.
Don’t Forget to Switch Back in the Spring
Once winter ends, update your thermostat settings for warmer weather. Switch back to a cooling schedule or, if temperatures are mild, set it to an energy-saving mode until it’s time for air conditioning.
If your thermostat has seasonal recommendations, follow them to adjust settings based on the time of year.
A Smarter Way to Stay Warm This Winter
Your smart thermostat is a powerful tool for maintaining a warm, efficient home during the winter. By setting a schedule, using remote access, and taking advantage of built-in features, you can stay comfortable while keeping energy costs under control.
At NextVolt Energy, we’re here to help you make informed energy choices and find practical ways to manage your home’s energy use. Stay warm, stay efficient, and enjoy the benefits of a smarter home this winter.