As winter approaches and the temperature falls, finding ways to save money on your power bills becomes a top priority. One of the best strategies is changing your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without losing comfort.

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

Overall, a good rule of thumb is the lower the temperature inside 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 HVAC bills.

Money-Saving Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

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

Effective Temperature Settings While You Are Away

The DOE estimates you can save up to 10% on your heating costs by lowering your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. This way, you’re not throwing away money heating your home while you’re not there.

Industry professionals say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone a prolonged period of time, you can adjust 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, increase the temperature slowly. That will keep your heating system from running too hard, which could happen if you raise the temperature on your thermostat very high right away.

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

More Tactics 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:

Check your insulation levels

Insulate doors, windows and walls to minimize drafts, keep warm air inside and prevent heat loss. This will decrease the pressure on your HVAC system and save energy.

Install a programmable thermostat

Purchase a programmable thermostat to regulate 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, buy a smart thermostat that can detect when you are in or out and modify the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these gadgets or for smart thermostat installation in Heflin, get a hold of the skilled technicians at Bain Heating & Air Conditioning. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can help your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Arrange furnace maintenance:

Plan regular maintenance for your heating system. A well-maintained heating system runs more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and probably avoiding costly repairs. Clean or replace air filters regularly to ensure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Heflin, call the team at Bain Heating & Air Conditioning. Our specialists will get your system in excellent working order!

Seal air leaks

Detect and seal any air leaks in your home. Common spots for leaks including windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing these gaps prevents warm air from escaping, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a sufficient 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 smart long-term solution. Today’s furnaces are highly efficient, which can dramatically decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re interested in investing in a new heating system, call the professionals at Bain Heating & Air Conditioning. We’re noted for experienced 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!