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

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

As a whole, a good rule of thumb 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 heating.

Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

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

Effective Temperature Settings While You Not at Home

The DOE estimates you can save up to 10% on your home heating costs by decreasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By using this method, 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 a long period of time, you can set 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 arrive home, increase the temperature slowly. That will keep your heating system from performing too hard, which could be the case if you raise the temperature on your thermostat very high right away.

Recommended Thermostat Settings While You Are Asleep

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 Techniques to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are many other ways you can employ so you consume less energy this winter while you heat your home. They include:

Check your insulation levels

Insulate doors, windows and walls to reduce drafts, keep warm air inside and protect against heat loss. This will limit the stress on your HVAC system and save energy.

Buy a programmable thermostat

Install a programmable thermostat to manage 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, set up a smart thermostat that can detect when you are in or out and change the temperature correctly. To learn more about these devices or for smart thermostat installation in Brookfield, contact the skilled technicians at Central Air LLC. We can tell you how smart thermostats can benefit your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Schedule furnace maintenance:

Plan regular maintenance for your heating system. A well-maintained heating system runs more efficiently, decreasing energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters on a regular basis to assure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Brookfield, call the team at Central Air LLC. Our specialists will get your system in top shape!

Seal air leaks

Find and fill in any air leaks in your home. Common spots for leaks including windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps blocks warm air from seeping out, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfy 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 desire, furnace replacement may be a good long-term decision. Modern furnaces are very efficient, which can notably reduce your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re considering getting a new heating system, phone the professionals at Central Air LLC. We’re noted for experienced furnace installation in Brookfield and will help you pick a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 203-357-5913 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!