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

With numerous options and techniques available, it's possible to 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 perfect balance between warmth and savings.

Overall, a good rule is the lower the temperature in 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 monthly energy costs.

Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

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

Effective Temperature Settings While You Are Away

The DOE states you can save as much as 10% on your home heating costs by turning down your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. That way, you’re not needlessly spending money heating your home while you’re not there.

Experts say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone a long 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 waiting for you when you get home.

When you arrive home, turn up the temperature bit by bit. That will keep your heating system from running too hard, which it could if you raise the temperature on your thermostat quite 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 get good sleep when it’s a little colder. The National Sleep Foundation says somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the optimal temperature range for good sleep.

Other Ways to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are several other ways you can use to consume less energy this winter while you heat your home. They include:

Examine your insulation levels

Insulate doors, windows and walls to minimize drafts, keep warm air inside and counter heat loss. This will minimize the workload on your furnace and save energy.

Install a programmable thermostat

Purchase a programmable thermostat to control the temperature in your home effortlessly. Set lower temperatures when you're away 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 modify the temperature correctly. To learn more about these systems or for smart thermostat installation in Heflin, contact the skilled technicians at Bain Heating & Air Conditioning. We can explain how smart thermostats can improve your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Plan furnace maintenance:

Plan to hire someone to do regular maintenance for your heating and cooling system. A well-maintained furnace runs more efficiently, decreasing energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or replace air filters on a regular basis to make sure your unit has proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Heflin, call the team at Bain Heating & Air Conditioning. Our trained technicians will get your system in top shape!

Seal air leaks

Locate and seal any air leaks in your home. Typical spots 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 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 desire, furnace replacement may be a good long-term option. Contemporary furnaces are highly efficient, which can dramatically lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re interested in getting a new heating system, contact the specialists at Bain Heating & Air Conditioning. We’re recognized for knowledgeable furnace installation in Heflin and will help you pick a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 256-270-1196 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!