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

With many options and techniques available, it's possible to reduce your heating costs while still keeping your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are several ways to find the ideal balance between warmth and savings.

Overall, a good rule is the lower the temperature in 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 your monthly energy costs.

Ideal Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re at 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 most families comfortable, but also low enough to be energy efficient.

Effective Temperature Settings While You Not at Home

The DOE estimates you can save up to 10% on your home heating costs by lowering your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. That way, you’re not needlessly spending money heating your home while you’re not there.

Authorities say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone a prolonged period of time, you can adjust 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 arrive home, increase the temperature slowly. That will keep your heating system from performing too hard, which could be the case if you raise the temperature on your thermostat very high right away.

Recommended Thermostat Settings While You Are Asleep

The nice thing about sleep-time thermostat settings in the winter is that people sleep better when it’s a little colder. The National Sleep Foundation reports somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the optimal temperature range for good sleep.

Additional Methods to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are a number of other approaches 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 avoid heat loss. This will minimize the pressure on your furnace and save energy.

Buy a programmable thermostat

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

For even more savings, purchase a smart thermostat that can perceive when you are in or out and adjust the temperature correctly. To learn more about these gadgets or for smart thermostat installation in Laurel, consult with the skilled technicians at H&C Heating and Cooling. We can explain how smart thermostats can benefit your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Arrange furnace maintenance:

Plan regular maintenance for your heating system. A well-maintained furnace operates more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and probably avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters on a regular basis to make sure your unit has proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Laurel, call the team at H&C Heating and Cooling. 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 including windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing these gaps blocks warm air from escaping, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a sufficient 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 a good long-term option. Modern furnaces are extremely efficient, which can significantly reduce your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re thinking about getting a new heating system, contact the pros at H&C Heating and Cooling. We’re known for experienced furnace installation in Laurel and will help you select a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 301-960-3247 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!