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

With several options and techniques available, it's possible to reduce your heating costs while still keeping your home cozy throughout the chilly season. 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 guideline 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 heating.

Ideal Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re around your 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 most families comfy, but also low enough to be energy efficient.

Effective Temperature Settings While You Going to Be Out of Your Home

The DOE estimates you can save up to 10% on your energy costs by decreasing 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.

Experts say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone a long 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 while you are away.

When you return to your home, turn up the temperature slowly. That will keep your heating system from performing too hard, which could happen if you raise the temperature on your thermostat very high right away.

Suggested 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 ideal temperature range for great sleep.

More Methods to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are a number of 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 avoid heat loss. This will decrease the workload on your heating equipment and save energy.

Install a programmable thermostat

Purchase a programmable thermostat to control the temperature in your home efficiently. 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 perceive when you are in or out and modify the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these systems or for smart thermostat installation in Heflin, consult with the skilled technicians at Bain Heating & Air Conditioning. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can benefit your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Schedule furnace maintenance:

Plan regular maintenance for your HVAC system. A well-maintained heating system operates more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and probably avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters regularly 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 fill in any air leaks in your home. Frequent spots for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing these gaps prevents warm air from seeping out, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a sufficient temperature.

Improve 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 an ideal long-term option. Modern day furnaces are very 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, call the specialists at Bain Heating & Air Conditioning. We’re recognized for experienced furnace installation in Heflin and will help you find a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 256-270-1196 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!