As winter draws near and the temperature falls, finding ways to save money on your heating bills becomes a top priority. One of the most effective techniques is modifying your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without sacrificing comfort.

With numerous options and techniques available, you can reduce your heating costs while still making your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Irrespective of whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are several ways to find the appropriate balance between warmth and savings.

Overall, 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 exterior temperature, the more money you will save on heating.

Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re going to be home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) advises putting 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 reports you can save approximately 10% on your heating costs by lowering your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. That way, you’re not wasting 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 adjust 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 get back to your house, turn up the temperature gradually. That will keep your heating system from performing too hard, which could happen if you raise the temperature on your thermostat really high right away.

Recommended Thermostat Settings While You Are Asleep

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 states somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the ideal temperature range for great sleep.

More Ways to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are several other techniques 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 minimize drafts, keep warm air inside and prevent heat loss. This will minimize the pressure on your HVAC system and save energy.

Buy a programmable thermostat

Install a programmable thermostat to control the temperature in your home efficiently. Set lower temperatures when you're out of your home or asleep and increase them only when required.

For even more savings, install a smart thermostat that can perceive when you are in or out and change the temperature correctly. To learn more about these products or for smart thermostat installation in Cottonwood & Prescott, contact the skilled technicians at Connolly Electric & Mechanical. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can improve your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Schedule furnace maintenance:

Plan to hire someone to do regular maintenance for your heating and cooling system. A well-maintained system functions more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters on a regular basis to make sure your unit has proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Cottonwood & Prescott, call the team at Connolly Electric & Mechanical. Our specialists will get your system in top shape!

Seal air leaks

Find and seal any air leaks in your home. Frequent places for leaks including windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps blocks warm air from escaping, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfy temperature.

Update your HVAC system

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

If you’re thinking about getting a new heating system, phone the professionals at Connolly Electric & Mechanical. We’re noted for skilled furnace installation in Cottonwood & Prescott and will help you select a unit that’s well suited for your home! Call 928-251-4327 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!