As winter draws near and the temperature dips, finding ways to save money on your heating bills becomes a top priority. One of the best strategies is changing your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without compromising comfort.

With multiple options and techniques available, you can lower 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.

Overall, a good guideline is the lower the temperature inside your home and the less difference there is between the air inside your home and the outdoor temperature, the more money you will save on your HVAC bills.

Money-Saving Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re around your 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 comfortable, but also low enough to be energy efficient.

Effective Temperature Settings While You Are Away

The DOE reports you can save as much as 10% on your HVAC costs by decreasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By using this method, you’re not throwing away money heating your home while you’re not there.

Industry professionals 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. That will keep your furnace running so you don’t have any frozen or burst pipes while you are away.

When you get back to your house, raise the temperature little by little. That will keep your heating system from running too hard, which could be the case if you raise the temperature on your thermostat really high right away.

Cost-Efficient Thermostat Settings While You Are Asleep

The good news about sleep-time thermostat settings in the winter is that people generally sleep well when it’s a little colder. The National Sleep Foundation reports somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the optimal temperature range for great sleep.

Other Techniques to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are many other approaches 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 protect against heat loss. This will limit the workload on your HVAC system and save energy.

Buy a programmable thermostat

Purchase a programmable thermostat to regulate the temperature in your home effectively. Set lower temperatures when you're out of your home or asleep and increase them only when necessary.

For even more savings, purchase a smart thermostat that can sense when you are in or out and modify the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these products or for smart thermostat installation in Thedford, consult with the skilled technicians at Taylor's Heating & Air Conditioning. We can tell you how smart thermostats can help 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 system runs more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and probably avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change 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. We will get your system in excellent working order!

Seal air leaks

Locate and seal any air leaks in your home. Typical spots for leaks tend to be windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Plugging these gaps prevents warm air from leaking out of your home, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfortable temperature.

Improve your HVAC system

If your HVAC equipment 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 extremely efficient, which can considerably decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re considering upgrading to a new heating system, contact the pros at Taylor's Heating & Air Conditioning. We’re noted for skilled furnace installation in Thedford and will help you select a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 519-296-4437 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!