As winter draws near and the temperature drops, finding ways to save money on your power bills becomes a top priority. One of the best strategies is adjusting your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without sacrificing comfort.

With several options and techniques available, homeowners can decrease your heating costs while still making 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 guideline is the lower the temperature within 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 around your 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 lots of families comfortable, 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 energy costs by decreasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. That way, you’re not throwing away money heating your home while you’re not there.

Authorities say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone an extended period of time, you can put your thermostat as low as 50 degrees. Doing this 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, increase the temperature bit by bit. That will keep your heating system from working too hard, which could happen if you raise the temperature on your thermostat very high right away.

Recommended Thermostat Settings While You Are Sleeping

The nice thing about sleep-time thermostat settings in the winter is that people get good sleep when it’s a little colder. The National Sleep Foundation suggests somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the best temperature range for good sleep.

More 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 reduce drafts, keep warm air inside and protect against heat loss. This will limit the workload on your furnace and save energy.

Buy a programmable thermostat

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

For even more savings, purchase a smart thermostat that can perceive when you are in or out and change the temperature correctly. To learn more about these devices or for smart thermostat installation in Port Orchard, consult with the skilled technicians at Air Masters Heating & Cooling. We can tell you how smart thermostats can help your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Schedule furnace maintenance:

Schedule regular maintenance for your heating system. A well-maintained heating system functions more efficiently, decreasing energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters routinely to ensure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Port Orchard, call the team at Air Masters Heating & Cooling. Our trained technicians will get your system in top shape!

Seal air leaks

Locate and close off any air leaks in your home. Typical spots for leaks including windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps prevents warm air from seeping out, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfortable temperature.

Update your HVAC system

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

If you’re interested in upgrading to a new heating system, contact the professionals at Air Masters Heating & Cooling. We’re known for knowledgeable furnace installation in Port Orchard and will help you find a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 360-205-7115 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!