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

With many options and techniques available, you can decrease 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 perfect balance between warmth and savings.

As a whole, 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 outside temperature, the more money you will save on your monthly energy costs.

Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re at 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 most families comfortable, 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 heating costs by lowering your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By using this method, you’re not throwing away 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 cause damage to your home while you're gone.

When you return to your home, increase the temperature gradually. That will keep your heating system from running too hard, which it could if you raise the temperature on your thermostat quite high right away.

Recommended Thermostat Settings While You Are Asleep

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 optimal temperature range for good sleep.

Other Tactics to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are several other techniques you can use to consume less energy this winter while you heat your home. They include:

Evaluate your insulation levels

Insulate doors, windows and walls to cut down on drafts, keep warm air inside and avoid heat loss. This will decrease the pressure on your furnace and save energy.

Buy a programmable thermostat

Purchase a programmable thermostat to regulate the temperature in your home effectively. 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 sense when you are in or out and modify the temperature appropriately. To learn more about these systems or for smart thermostat installation in Eastland, contact the skilled technicians at J & J Air Conditioning. We can explain how smart thermostats can benefit your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Arrange furnace maintenance:

Plan to hire someone to do regular maintenance for your heating and cooling system. A well-maintained system operates more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and probably avoiding costly repairs. Clean or replace air filters on a regular basis to ensure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Eastland, call the team at J & J Air Conditioning. We will get your system in excellent working order!

Seal air leaks

Locate and seal any air leaks in your home. Typical places for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing these gaps blocks warm air from leaking out of your home, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfortable temperature.

Upgrade your HVAC system

If your furnace is old, inefficient or just isn’t able to keep your home as warm as you want, furnace replacement may be an ideal long-term decision. Contemporary furnaces are very efficient, which can considerably lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re contemplating upgrading to a new heating system, phone the professionals at J & J Air Conditioning. We’re recognized for knowledgeable furnace installation in Eastland and will help you choose a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 254-355-3833 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!