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

With several options and techniques available, you can decrease your heating costs while still making 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 appropriate balance between warmth and savings.

Overall, 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.

Money-Saving Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re going to be 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 most families comfy, but also low enough to be energy efficient.

Effective Temperature Settings While You Not at Home

The DOE estimates you can save up to 10% on your home heating costs by decreasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By using this method, you’re not wasting 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 adjust your thermostat as low as 50 degrees. That will keep your furnace running so you don’t have any frozen or burst pipes cause damage to your home while you're gone.

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

Suggested Thermostat Settings While You Are Sleeping

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

Other Ways to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are a number of other ways you can use to 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 protect against heat loss. This will minimize the workload on your furnace 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 needed.

For even more savings, set up a smart thermostat that can sense when you are in or out and adjust the temperature correctly. To learn more about these products or for smart thermostat installation in Covington, contact the skilled technicians at Covington Air Systems. We can tell you how smart thermostats can improve your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Plan furnace maintenance:

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

For furnace maintenance in Covington, call the team at Covington Air Systems. Our specialists will get your system in top shape!

Seal air leaks

Locate and seal any air leaks in your home. Frequent sites for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps prevents warm air from escaping, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a sufficient temperature.

Improve your HVAC system

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

If you’re considering investing in a new heating system, call the specialists at Covington Air Systems. We’re recognized for knowledgeable furnace installation in Covington and will help you select a unit that’s well suited for your home! Call (770) 462-5319 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!