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

With many options and techniques available, it's possible to reduce 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 plenty of ways to find the ideal balance between warmth and savings.

Overall, a good rule of thumb 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 setting 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 states you can save approximately 10% on your heating costs by lowering your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By doing this, you’re not wasting money heating your home while you’re not there.

Authorities say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone a prolonged period of time, you can set 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 cause damage to your home while you're gone.

When you return to your home, increase 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.

Cost-Efficient Thermostat Settings While You Are in Bed for The Night

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 great sleep.

More Techniques to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

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

Check your insulation levels

Insulate doors, windows and walls to cut down on drafts, keep warm air inside and prevent heat loss. This will limit the pressure on your heating equipment and save energy.

Install a programmable thermostat

Purchase a programmable thermostat to regulate the temperature in your home effortlessly. Set lower temperatures when you're out of your home or asleep and increase them only when necessary.

For even more savings, purchase a smart thermostat that can detect when you are in or out and modify the temperature correctly. To learn more about these devices or for smart thermostat installation in Dundas and Northfield, get a hold of the skilled technicians at Better Air. We can tell you how smart thermostats can improve your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Arrange furnace maintenance:

Plan regular maintenance for your heating and cooling system. A well-maintained system runs more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters regularly to assure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Dundas and Northfield, call the team at Better Air. Our specialists will get your system in top shape!

Seal air leaks

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

Improve your HVAC system

If your HVAC equipment 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 decision. Today’s furnaces are extremely efficient, which can dramatically decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re thinking about investing in a new heating system, phone the specialists at Better Air. We’re noted for experienced furnace installation in Dundas and Northfield and will help you select a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 507-663-1208 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!