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

With multiple options and techniques available, homeowners can decrease 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 appropriate balance between warmth and savings.

Overall, a good guideline is the lower the temperature inside 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.

Money-Saving Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re around your home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recommends 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 Are Away

The DOE estimates you can save approximately 10% on your HVAC 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.

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. That will keep your furnace running so you don’t have any frozen or burst pipes cause damage to your home while you're gone.

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 quite high right away.

Suggested 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 reports somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the ideal temperature range for quality sleep.

Other Ways to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are a number of other approaches you can use to consume less energy this winter while you heat your home. They include:

Examine your insulation levels

Insulate doors, windows and walls to cut down on drafts, keep warm air inside and counter heat loss. This will minimize the workload on your heating equipment and save energy.

Install a programmable thermostat

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

For even more savings, purchase a smart thermostat that can detect when you are in or out and adjust the temperature correctly. To learn more about these products or for smart thermostat installation in Justin, consult with the skilled technicians at Pepper AC & Heat. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can improve your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Schedule furnace maintenance:

Schedule regular maintenance for your heating system. A well-maintained furnace runs more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters routinely to make sure your unit has proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Justin, call the team at Pepper AC & Heat. We will get your system in top shape!

Seal air leaks

Locate and fill in any air leaks in your home. Typical spots for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing these gaps stops warm air from seeping out, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a cozy temperature.

Upgrade your HVAC system

If your heating system is old, inefficient or just isn’t able to keep your home as warm as you need, furnace replacement may be a good long-term option. Modern furnaces are very efficient, which can notably reduce your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re considering upgrading to a new heating system, contact the pros at Pepper AC & Heat. We’re known for experienced furnace installation in Justin and will help you select a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 940-202-1184 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!