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 compromising comfort.

With numerous options and techniques available, it's possible to lower your heating costs while still trying to keep your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are several ways to find the perfect balance between warmth and savings.

As a whole, a good guideline 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 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) recommends putting your thermostat to between 68°F and 70°F in the winter. That’s warm enough to keep the majority 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 as much as 10% on your home heating costs by lowering your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. This way, you’re not wasting money heating your home while you’re not there.

Industry professionals say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone an extended 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 get back to your house, raise the temperature slowly. That will keep your heating system from working too hard, which could be the case if you raise the temperature on your thermostat really 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 optimal temperature range for good sleep.

More Methods to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are a number of 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 protect against heat loss. This will decrease the workload on your HVAC system and save energy.

Buy a programmable thermostat

Purchase a programmable thermostat to manage the temperature in your home efficiently. Set lower temperatures when you're not home or asleep and increase them only when required.

For even more savings, purchase a smart thermostat that can detect when you are in or out and change the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these products or for smart thermostat installation in Heflin, consult with the skilled technicians at Bain Heating & Air Conditioning. We can tell you how smart thermostats can benefit your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Plan furnace maintenance:

Plan to hire someone to do regular maintenance for your HVAC system. A well-maintained furnace operates more efficiently, decreasing energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters regularly to assure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Heflin, call the team at Bain Heating & Air Conditioning. We will get your system in peak condition!

Seal air leaks

Detect and fill in any air leaks in your home. Typical spots for leaks tend to be windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing these gaps blocks warm air from escaping, 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 need, furnace replacement may be an ideal long-term option. Modern day furnaces are extremely efficient, which can notably reduce your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

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