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 modifying your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without sacrificing comfort.

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

As a whole, a good rule 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 monthly energy costs.

Ideal 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 comfy, but also low enough to be energy efficient.

Effective Temperature Settings While You Not at Home

The DOE reports you can save up to 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.

Authorities say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone a long period of time, you can adjust 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 while you are away.

When you get back to your house, increase 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 Sleeping

The great 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 states somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the ideal temperature range for good sleep.

Other Methods to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

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

Evaluate your insulation levels

Insulate doors, windows and walls to reduce drafts, keep warm air inside and counter heat loss. This will limit the pressure on your HVAC system and save energy.

Buy a programmable thermostat

Put in a programmable thermostat to regulate the temperature in your home effortlessly. Set lower temperatures when you're not 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 adjust the temperature correctly. To learn more about these systems or for smart thermostat installation in Columbia, get a hold of the skilled technicians at Watts Electric & AC. 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 system. A well-maintained furnace functions more efficiently, decreasing energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters regularly to make sure your unit has proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Columbia, call the team at Watts Electric & AC. Our specialists will get your system in peak condition!

Seal air leaks

Locate and fill in any air leaks in your home. Typical places for leaks including windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Plugging these gaps blocks warm air from escaping, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfortable 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 good long-term option. Contemporary furnaces are highly efficient, which can considerably decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re contemplating getting a new heating system, phone the specialists at Watts Electric & AC. We’re recognized for experienced furnace installation in Columbia and will help you choose a unit that’s well suited for your home! Call 601-736-7362 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!