As winter draws near and the temperature dips, finding ways to save money on your energy bills becomes a top priority. One of the most effective tips is adjusting your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without compromising comfort.

With multiple options and techniques available, you can decrease 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 ideal balance between warmth and savings.

As a whole, a good guideline is the lower the temperature within your home and the less difference there is between the air inside your home and the outdoor temperature, the more money you will save on your monthly energy costs.

Money-Saving Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re going to be 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 cozy, but also low enough to be energy efficient.

Effective Temperature Settings While You Not at Home

The DOE reports you can save approximately 10% on your HVAC 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 prolonged period of time, you can set 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 slowly. That will keep your heating system from performing too hard, which could happen if you raise the temperature on your thermostat really high right away.

Cost-Efficient Thermostat Settings While You Are Asleep

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 says somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the optimal temperature range for quality sleep.

Additional Methods to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are several 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 minimize drafts, keep warm air inside and counter heat loss. This will minimize the stress on your heating equipment and save energy.

Install a programmable thermostat

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

For even more savings, install a smart thermostat that can detect when you are in or out and adjust the temperature appropriately. To learn more about these systems or for smart thermostat installation in Justin, consult with the skilled technicians at Pepper AC & Heat. 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 HVAC system. A well-maintained heating system runs more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters routinely to assure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Justin, call the team at Pepper AC & Heat. We will get your system in peak condition!

Seal air leaks

Detect and fill in any air leaks in your home. Frequent places for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing these gaps blocks warm air from seeping out, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a cozy temperature.

Upgrade your HVAC system

If your HVAC equipment 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 solution. Contemporary furnaces are very efficient, which can significantly reduce your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re considering investing in a new heating system, phone the pros at Pepper AC & Heat. We’re known for knowledgeable furnace installation in Justin and will help you select a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 940-202-1184 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!