As winter gets closer and the temperature falls, finding ways to save money on your energy bills becomes a top priority. One of the most effective techniques is changing your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without losing comfort.

With multiple options and techniques available, homeowners can reduce your heating costs while still keeping your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Regardless of whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are many ways to find the perfect balance between warmth and savings.

As a whole, a good rule of thumb is the lower the temperature in your home and the less difference there is between the air inside your home and the outside temperature, the more money you will save on your HVAC bills.

Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re at home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recommends setting your thermostat to between 68°F and 70°F in the winter. That’s warm enough to keep the majority of families cozy, but also low enough to be energy efficient.

Effective Temperature Settings While You Are Away

The DOE estimates you can save approximately 10% on your HVAC costs by lowering your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. This way, you’re not wasting money heating your home while you’re not there.

Experts say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone an extended period of time, you can set your thermostat as low as 50 degrees. This will be warm enough it will keep your furnace running so you don’t have any frozen or burst pipes waiting for you when you get home.

When you arrive home, increase the temperature slowly. That will keep your heating system from working too hard, which could be the case if you raise the temperature on your thermostat really high right away.

Suggested Thermostat Settings While You Are Sleeping

The nice thing about sleep-time thermostat settings in the winter is that people get good sleep when it’s a little colder. The National Sleep Foundation says somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the best temperature range for good sleep.

Additional Ways to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are several other techniques you can utilize to consume less energy this winter while you heat your home. They include:

Evaluate your insulation levels

Insulate doors, windows and walls to cut down on drafts, keep warm air inside and avoid heat loss. This will limit the workload on your heating equipment and save energy.

Install a programmable thermostat

Put in a programmable thermostat to control the temperature in your home conveniently. Set lower temperatures when you're away or asleep and increase them only when required.

For even more savings, install a smart thermostat that can sense when you are in or out and modify the temperature appropriately. To learn more about these gadgets or for smart thermostat installation in Muldrow, contact the skilled technicians at Air Service Co.. We can tell you how smart thermostats can improve your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Schedule furnace maintenance:

Plan to hire someone to do regular maintenance for your heating system. A well-maintained heating system functions more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters regularly to assure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Muldrow, call the team at Air Service Co.. Our trained technicians will get your system in top shape!

Seal air leaks

Find and close off any air leaks in your home. Typical spots for leaks including windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing these gaps stops warm air from leaking out of your home, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfy temperature.

Update your HVAC system

If your heating system is old, inefficient or just isn’t able to keep your home as warm as you need, furnace replacement may be a good long-term solution. Modern furnaces are highly efficient, which can considerably reduce your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re interested in investing in a new heating system, contact the pros at Air Service Co.. We’re noted for experienced furnace installation in Muldrow and will help you pick a unit that’s well suited for your home! Call 918-212-8943 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!