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

With multiple options and techniques available, you can reduce your heating costs while still making your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Regardless of whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are several ways to find the ideal 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 outside temperature, the more money you will save on heating.

Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re going to be home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recommends putting your thermostat to between 68°F and 70°F in the winter. That’s warm enough to keep lots of families comfy, 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 home heating costs by turning down 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.

Authorities say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone a long period of time, you can put 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 waiting for you when you get home.

When you arrive home, raise the temperature gradually. 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.

Recommended Thermostat Settings While You Are Sleeping

The good 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 reports somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the ideal temperature range for good sleep.

Other Ways to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are several other ways 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 avoid heat loss. This will limit the pressure on your HVAC system and save energy.

Install a programmable thermostat

Purchase a programmable thermostat to regulate the temperature in your home efficiently. Set lower temperatures when you're away 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 adjust the temperature correctly. To learn more about these gadgets or for smart thermostat installation in Gardnerville, get a hold of the skilled technicians at Beach & Sons Mechanical, Inc.. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can improve your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Arrange furnace maintenance:

Plan to hire someone to do regular maintenance for your heating system. A well-maintained system functions more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters regularly to make sure your unit has proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Gardnerville, call the team at Beach & Sons Mechanical, Inc.. Our specialists will get your system in top shape!

Seal air leaks

Find 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 leaking out of your home, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfy 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 an ideal long-term solution. Modern furnaces are very efficient, which can notably decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re thinking about upgrading to a new heating system, call the professionals at Beach & Sons Mechanical, Inc.. We’re known for experienced furnace installation in Gardnerville and will help you find a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 775-782-0055 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!