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 techniques is modifying your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without losing comfort.

With multiple options and techniques available, it’s possible to lower your heating costs while still keeping your home cozy throughout the chilly season. 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 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 outside 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) 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 Not at Home

The DOE estimates you can save as much as 10% on your heating costs by turning down your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By using this method, you’re not wasting money heating your home while you’re not there.

Industry professionals say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone a long 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 get back to your house, increase the temperature bit by bit. That will keep your heating system from running too hard, which could happen if you raise the temperature on your thermostat really 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 generally sleep well when it’s a little colder. The National Sleep Foundation suggests somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the ideal temperature range for good sleep.

Additional Tactics to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are many other techniques you can employ so you 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 protect against heat loss. This will limit the stress on your HVAC system and save energy.

Install a programmable thermostat

Purchase a programmable thermostat to manage the temperature in your home efficiently. Set lower temperatures when you’re away or asleep and increase them only when needed.

For even more savings, buy a smart thermostat that can sense when you are in or out and change the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these devices or for smart thermostat installation in Sussex County, get a hold of the skilled technicians at Willco Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Heating Inc.. We can tell you how smart thermostats can improve your home’s comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Plan furnace maintenance:

Plan to hire someone to do regular maintenance for your heating and cooling system. A well-maintained heating system runs more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or replace air filters regularly to make sure your unit has proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Sussex County, call the team at Willco Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Heating Inc.. We will get your system in peak condition!

Seal air leaks

Find and fill in any air leaks in your home. Common places for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps prevents warm air from leaking out of your home, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfy temperature.

Improve 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. Today’s furnaces are extremely efficient, which can significantly lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re thinking about getting a new heating system, call the professionals at Willco Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Heating Inc.. We’re known for experienced furnace installation in Sussex County and will help you choose a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 862-345-6896 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!