As winter gets closer and the temperature dips, finding ways to save money on your power bills becomes a top priority. One of the simplest strategies is changing your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without losing comfort.

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

As a whole, 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.

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 most 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 as much as 10% on your home heating 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.

Experts 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 get back to your house, raise the temperature gradually. That will keep your heating system from performing 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 nice thing about sleep-time thermostat settings in the winter is that people sleep better when it’s a little colder. The National Sleep Foundation says somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the ideal temperature range for quality sleep.

More Ways 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 minimize drafts, keep warm air inside and counter heat loss. This will minimize the workload on your furnace and save energy.

Set up a programmable thermostat

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

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 Covington, consult with the skilled technicians at Covington Air Systems. We can tell you 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 heating system runs more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and probably avoiding costly repairs. Clean or replace air filters regularly to make sure your unit has proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Covington, call the team at Covington Air Systems. Our trained technicians will get your system in excellent working order!

Seal air leaks

Detect and fill in any air leaks in your home. Typical sites for leaks tend to be windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing these gaps blocks warm air from leaking out of your home, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a sufficient temperature.

Update your HVAC system

If your furnace 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. Modern day furnaces are extremely efficient, which can dramatically lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re thinking about upgrading to a new heating system, phone the pros at Covington Air Systems. We’re recognized for knowledgeable furnace installation in Covington and will help you select a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call (770) 462-5319 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!