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

With numerous options and techniques available, homeowners can lower your heating costs while still trying to keep your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Regardless of whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are plenty of ways to find the ideal balance between warmth and savings.

In general, a good rule is the lower the temperature within your home and the less difference there is between the air inside your home and the exterior temperature, the more money you will save on heating.

Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

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

Effective Temperature Settings While You Are Away

The DOE states you can save approximately 10% on your energy costs by turning down your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By doing this, you’re not throwing away money heating your home while you’re not there.

Experts say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone a prolonged 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 cause damage to your home while you're gone.

When you get back to your house, turn up the temperature slowly. That will keep your heating system from performing too hard, which could be the case if you raise the temperature on your thermostat very high right away.

Suggested Thermostat Settings While You Are Sleeping

The good news 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 ideal temperature range for great sleep.

Additional Methods to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are a number of other ways you can employ so you consume less energy this winter while you heat your home. They include:

Examine your insulation levels

Insulate doors, windows and walls to minimize drafts, keep warm air inside and counter heat loss. This will minimize the pressure on your heating equipment and save energy.

Install a programmable thermostat

Put in a programmable thermostat to regulate the temperature in your home conveniently. Set lower temperatures when you're not home or asleep and increase them only when needed.

For even more savings, install a smart thermostat that can detect when you are in or out and modify the temperature correctly. To learn more about these gadgets or for smart thermostat installation in Thedford, contact the skilled technicians at Taylor's Heating & Air Conditioning. We can tell you how smart thermostats can benefit your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Plan furnace maintenance:

Plan regular maintenance for your heating system. A well-maintained heating system operates more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or replace air filters on a regular basis to make sure your unit has proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Thedford, call the team at Taylor's Heating & Air Conditioning. Our trained technicians will get your system in top shape!

Seal air leaks

Find and close off any air leaks in your home. Frequent sites for leaks are 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 comfortable temperature.

Upgrade your HVAC system

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

If you’re considering investing in a new heating system, contact the professionals at Taylor's Heating & Air Conditioning. We’re recognized for knowledgeable furnace installation in Thedford and will help you pick a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 519-296-4437 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!