As winter gets closer and the temperature dips, finding ways to save money on your energy bills becomes a top priority. One of the most effective tips is changing your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without losing 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 many ways to find the appropriate balance between warmth and savings.

Overall, a good rule is the lower the temperature within 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 HVAC bills.

Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

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

Effective Temperature Settings While You Not at Home

The DOE reports you can save as much as 10% on your heating costs by lowering your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. That way, 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 a prolonged 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 return to your home, raise the temperature slowly. That will keep your heating system from performing too hard, which could be the case if you raise the temperature on your thermostat very high right away.

Cost-Efficient Thermostat Settings While You Are Sleeping

The great news about sleep-time thermostat settings in the winter is that people sleep better when it’s a little colder. The National Sleep Foundation suggests somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the best temperature range for great sleep.

More Tactics to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are many other techniques you can utilize 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 limit the workload on your HVAC system and save energy.

Buy a programmable thermostat

Purchase a programmable thermostat to manage 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 change the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these gadgets or for smart thermostat installation in Loganville, consult with the skilled technicians at Tony Beck Heating & Cooling. We can explain how smart thermostats can improve your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Schedule furnace maintenance:

Plan to hire someone to do regular maintenance for your HVAC system. A well-maintained heating system runs more efficiently, decreasing energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters routinely to assure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Loganville, call the team at Tony Beck Heating & Cooling. Our trained technicians will get your system in peak condition!

Seal air leaks

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

Upgrade 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 a smart long-term decision. 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, call the pros at Tony Beck Heating & Cooling. We’re known for skilled furnace installation in Loganville and will help you find a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 770-466-2924 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!