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

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

As a whole, 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 exterior temperature, the more money you will save on your monthly energy costs.

Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re at home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) advises dialing your thermostat to between 68°F and 70°F in the winter. That’s warm enough to keep most families cozy, 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 HVAC costs by lowering your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By doing this, 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 adjust your thermostat as low as 50 degrees. That 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 little by little. That will keep your heating system from working too hard, which could happen if you raise the temperature on your thermostat quite high right away.

Cost-Efficient Thermostat Settings While You Are Sleeping

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

Additional Ways to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are a number of other techniques you can use to consume less energy this winter while you heat your home. They include:

Evaluate your insulation levels

Insulate doors, windows and walls to reduce drafts, keep warm air inside and avoid heat loss. This will limit the pressure on your furnace and save energy.

Buy a programmable thermostat

Put in a programmable thermostat to regulate the temperature in your home conveniently. Set lower temperatures when you're not 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 appropriately. To learn more about these gadgets or for smart thermostat installation in Cache Valley, get a hold of the skilled technicians at Western Mechanical, Inc.. We can explain how smart thermostats can benefit your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Arrange furnace maintenance:

Plan regular maintenance for your HVAC system. A well-maintained system functions more efficiently, decreasing energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters regularly to make sure your unit has proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Cache Valley, call the team at Western Mechanical, Inc.. Our specialists will get your system in peak condition!

Seal air leaks

Find and seal any air leaks in your home. Common sites for leaks tend to be windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps blocks warm air from escaping, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfortable temperature.

Upgrade your HVAC system

If your furnace 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 solution. Modern day furnaces are very efficient, which can notably decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re considering investing in a new heating system, contact the professionals at Western Mechanical, Inc.. We’re recognized for experienced furnace installation in Cache Valley and will help you choose a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 435-753-5515 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!