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

With multiple options and techniques available, homeowners 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 several ways to find the perfect balance between warmth and savings.

In general, a good rule is the lower the temperature inside 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 your HVAC bills.

Ideal Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

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

Effective Temperature Settings While You Are Away

The DOE estimates you can save as much as 10% on your home heating costs by decreasing 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.

Industry professionals say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone a long period of time, you can put your thermostat as low as 50 degrees. Doing this 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 slowly. That will keep your heating system from working too hard, which it could if you raise the temperature on your thermostat really high right away.

Recommended Thermostat Settings While You Are Asleep

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 states somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the optimal temperature range for great sleep.

Additional Tactics to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are several 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 cut down on drafts, keep warm air inside and prevent heat loss. This will decrease the workload on your heating equipment and save energy.

Install a programmable thermostat

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

For even more savings, buy a smart thermostat that can perceive when you are in or out and change the temperature correctly. To learn more about these systems or for smart thermostat installation in East Bernard, get a hold of the skilled technicians at E.B. Air. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can improve your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Arrange furnace maintenance:

Schedule regular maintenance for your heating and cooling system. A well-maintained heating system operates more efficiently, decreasing energy consumption and probably avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters regularly to ensure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in East Bernard, call the team at E.B. Air. Our specialists will get your system in excellent working order!

Seal air leaks

Detect and seal any air leaks in your home. Typical places for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing these gaps prevents warm air from escaping, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfy temperature.

Improve your HVAC system

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

If you’re thinking about getting a new heating system, phone the specialists at E.B. Air. We’re recognized for skilled furnace installation in East Bernard and will help you pick a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 979-335-4262 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!