As a team offering expert furnace installation in Vancouver and surrounding areas, our team at Harbour Energy works with clients to replace, repair, and service these HVAC systems.

Heating and cooling in Vancouver typically make up the most significant portion of your home’s energy use, far more than lighting or most appliances. Because your thermostat controls this system, even small changes in the temperature setting can have a noticeable impact on energy bills, with minimal impact on comfort.

How Much Can You Save?

The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that you can save about 1% on heating and cooling costs for every single degree you adjust your thermostat for eight hours a day. By consistently setting your thermostat 7–10 °F higher in summer or lower in winter for 8 hours a day, many homeowners see up to 10% in annual energy savings. So, so what are the optimal settings? 

In Vancouver, we’re lucky enough to enjoy relatively mild winters. For winter heating, we suggest keeping your thermostat around 68 °F (20 °C) when family members are home and awake, and lower it while sleeping or away. Many smart systems allow you to automate home and away times. There’s an uptick in heat pump installations in Richmond and New West, as these systems offer cost-effective heating and cooling that work exceptionally well on the West Coast.

In summer, we recommend setting it to about 78 °F (26 °C) when you are home and comfortably cool, and raising it when no one is home. Both of these suggestions are starting points; you may need to adjust them based on your personal comfort and local climate. 

How Thermostat Adjustments Save Energy

As HVAC contractors in Vancouver, a lot of clients ask us to look at their homes to gauge which system is best for installation. We don’t charge for service callouts, so you can call us to discuss and get an estimate on which heating or cooling system will work best for your home or business. Part of this involves performing a load calculation to determine the best furnace size. The ideal unit will provide comfortable heating throughout the house, without consuming unnecessary energy.

This is important because your HVAC system works harder as the difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures increases. By reducing the temperature difference (in winter heating) and increasing it (in summer cooling), your system runs less frequently, which reduces energy consumption. 

Factors That Influence Cost Savings

The amount you save by adjusting your thermostat can be affected by:

• Your HVAC System’s Efficiency – More efficient furnaces and air conditioners use less energy overall. Newer or ENERGY STAR-rated systems tend to deliver better performance. 
• System Maintenance and Condition – Regular tune-ups, clean filters, and professional servicing help your heating and cooling equipment operate more efficiently. 
• Home Insulation and Envelope – Well-insulated homes with sealed doors and windows retain heat or cool air more effectively, making thermostat adjustments more effective. 
• Climate and Weather – Homes in milder climates like Vancouver often see bigger percentage savings from thermostat setbacks than homes in very hot or cold regions. 

Energy-Smart Comfort Tips

In addition to thermostat adjustments, consider these practical ideas to stay comfortable while using less energy:

In summer:

• Wear light, breathable clothing.
• Use ceiling or portable fans to help circulate air.
• Shift heavy appliance use (like ovens) to cooler parts of the day. 

In winter:

• Dress in warm layers and use blankets.
• Use area rugs to insulate floors.
• Consider a humidifier — moist air feels warmer, so you may be comfortable at a lower thermostat setting. 

Upgrade to a Programmable or Smart Thermostat

Manual adjustments work great, but programmable or smart thermostats eliminate the guesswork by automatically adjusting temperatures based on your schedule or habits. These devices can maximize savings without sacrificing comfort and even allow remote control from your phone or tablet. Ask us about smart home integration with HVAC systems.

For Expert Furnace Installation in Vancouver

Making thoughtful thermostat adjustments is one of the simplest ways to lower your energy bill, and when combined with other efficiency strategies like proper insulation and furnace maintenance, your savings can add up. Whether you’re trying to reduce costs this month or planning long-term upgrades to future-proof your home, adjusting your thermostat can be a significant first step toward energy and cost savings.

If it’s time to consider a new furnace installation in Vancouver or the surrounding areas, connect with Harbour Energy at 604-272-7272 or through our website contact form.