As winter gets closer and the temperature drops, finding ways to save money on your power bills becomes a top priority. One of the simplest tips is changing your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without sacrificing comfort.

With several options and techniques available, you can lower 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 many ways to find the ideal balance between warmth and savings.

In general, a good rule 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.

Money-Saving Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re around your home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) advises dialing your thermostat to between 68°F and 70°F in the winter. That’s warm enough to keep most families comfy, but also low enough to be energy efficient.

Effective Temperature Settings While You Are Away

The DOE states you can save approximately 10% on your home heating costs by lowering your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. This way, 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 a long period of time, you can adjust your thermostat as low as 50 degrees. This will be warm enough it will keep your furnace running so you don’t have any frozen or burst pipes while you are away.

When you arrive home, increase the temperature slowly. That will keep your heating system from running 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 Sleeping

The good news 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 best temperature range for good sleep.

More Ways to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

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

Check your insulation levels

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

Set up a programmable thermostat

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

For even more savings, install a smart thermostat that can perceive when you are in or out and modify the temperature appropriately. To learn more about these systems or for smart thermostat installation in Georgetown, consult with the skilled technicians at Miller Climate Control LLC. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can benefit your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Plan furnace maintenance:

Plan to hire someone to do regular maintenance for your HVAC system. A well-maintained system runs more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or replace air filters routinely to ensure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Georgetown, call the team at Miller Climate Control LLC. Our trained technicians will get your system in top shape!

Seal air leaks

Find and seal any air leaks in your home. Typical sites for leaks including windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Plugging these gaps prevents warm air from seeping out, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a cozy temperature.

Improve 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 decision. Contemporary furnaces are very efficient, which can dramatically lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re considering upgrading to a new heating system, phone the professionals at Miller Climate Control LLC. We’re recognized for knowledgeable furnace installation in Georgetown and will help you select a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 512-937-2001 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!