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

With several 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 plenty of ways to find the ideal balance between warmth and savings.

Overall, a good rule is the lower the temperature in 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.

Ideal Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

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

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

The DOE states you can save up to 10% on your energy costs by turning down your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. That way, you’re not needlessly spending money heating your home while you’re not there.

Experts 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. 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, turn up the temperature bit by bit. 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 Sleeping

The good news about sleep-time thermostat settings in the winter is that people sleep better when it’s a little colder. The National Sleep Foundation reports somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the optimal temperature range for great sleep.

Additional Ways to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are several other approaches you can employ so you 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 prevent heat loss. This will minimize the stress on your furnace and save energy.

Buy a programmable thermostat

Put in a programmable thermostat to control the temperature in your home effectively. Set lower temperatures when you're away or asleep and increase them only when needed.

For even more savings, install a smart thermostat that can sense when you are in or out and change the temperature correctly. To learn more about these products 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 improve your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Arrange furnace maintenance:

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

For furnace maintenance in Port Orchard, call the team at Air Masters Heating & Cooling. Our specialists will get your system in peak condition!

Seal air leaks

Find and close off any air leaks in your home. Frequent sites for leaks tend to be windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Plugging these gaps stops warm air from seeping out, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a sufficient temperature.

Improve your HVAC system

If your heating system is old, inefficient or just isn’t able to keep your home as warm as you desire, furnace replacement may be a smart long-term option. Contemporary furnaces are extremely efficient, which can significantly decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re contemplating getting a new heating system, call the professionals at Air Masters Heating & Cooling. We’re noted for experienced 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 no-cost, no-obligation estimate!