As winter approaches and the temperature falls, 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 several options and techniques available, you can decrease your heating costs while still making 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 appropriate balance between warmth and savings.

In general, a good rule of thumb is the lower the temperature inside 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 heating.

Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re at home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) advises putting 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 Going to Be Out of Your Home

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 needlessly spending money heating your home while you’re not there.

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

When you return to your home, turn up the temperature gradually. 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.

Suggested 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 reports somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the best temperature range for good sleep.

Additional Techniques to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

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

Check your insulation levels

Insulate doors, windows and walls to reduce drafts, keep warm air inside and counter heat loss. This will decrease the stress on your HVAC system 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 not home or asleep and increase them only when required.

For even more savings, install a smart thermostat that can detect when you are in or out and adjust the temperature appropriately. To learn more about these products or for smart thermostat installation in Columbia, consult with the skilled technicians at Watts Electric & AC. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can benefit your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Arrange furnace maintenance:

Schedule regular maintenance for your heating system. A well-maintained furnace runs more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and probably avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters on a regular basis to assure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Columbia, call the team at Watts Electric & AC. We will get your system in excellent working order!

Seal air leaks

Find and seal any air leaks in your home. Typical spots for leaks including windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps prevents warm air from seeping out, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfy temperature.

Update your HVAC system

If your furnace 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 option. Modern furnaces are very efficient, which can significantly decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re considering upgrading to a new heating system, call the professionals at Watts Electric & AC. We’re recognized for experienced furnace installation in Columbia and will help you pick a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 601-736-7362 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!