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

With numerous options and techniques available, it's possible to decrease your heating costs while still keeping your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Regardless of whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are plenty of ways to find the perfect balance between warmth and savings.

In general, a good rule is the lower the temperature within 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.

Money-Saving Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re at home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recommends putting 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 states you can save up to 10% on your HVAC costs by lowering 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 an extended period of time, you can set your thermostat as low as 50 degrees. Doing this will keep your furnace running so you don’t have any frozen or burst pipes waiting for you when you get home.

When you return to your home, raise the temperature gradually. That will keep your heating system from performing too hard, which it could 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 get good sleep when it’s a little colder. The National Sleep Foundation suggests somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the ideal temperature range for quality sleep.

Other Tactics to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are several other approaches you can utilize to 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 avoid heat loss. This will limit the pressure on your furnace and save energy.

Buy a programmable thermostat

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

For even more savings, buy a smart thermostat that can detect when you are in or out and change the temperature appropriately. To learn more about these gadgets or for smart thermostat installation in Jefferson, contact the skilled technicians at Pratt Brothers. We can tell you how smart thermostats can improve your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Schedule furnace maintenance:

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

For furnace maintenance in Jefferson, call the team at Pratt Brothers. We will get your system in excellent working order!

Seal air leaks

Locate and fill in any air leaks in your home. Frequent places for leaks including windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps stops warm air from seeping out, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfortable temperature.

Update 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 an ideal long-term option. Modern day furnaces are extremely efficient, which can dramatically lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re considering investing in a new heating system, phone the specialists at Pratt Brothers. We’re known for experienced furnace installation in Jefferson and will help you select a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 920-347-8495 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!