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

With several options and techniques available, homeowners can decrease your heating costs while still keeping 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 appropriate balance between warmth and savings.

In general, 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.

Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re around your 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 comfy, but also low enough to be energy efficient.

Effective Temperature Settings While You Not at Home

The DOE estimates you can save as much as 10% on your energy costs by lowering your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. This way, you’re not wasting money heating your home while you’re not there.

Industry professionals 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. 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 return to your home, turn up the temperature slowly. That will keep your heating system from working too hard, which could happen if you raise the temperature on your thermostat really high right away.

Suggested Thermostat Settings While You Are Sleeping

The nice thing 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.

Additional Ways to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are several other ways you can utilize 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 minimize the pressure on your furnace and save energy.

Buy a programmable thermostat

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

For even more savings, set up a smart thermostat that can perceive when you are in or out and adjust the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these gadgets or for smart thermostat installation in Macon, get a hold of the skilled technicians at Air Temperature Control. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can improve your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Plan furnace maintenance:

Plan to hire someone to do regular maintenance for your heating and cooling system. A well-maintained furnace functions more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or replace air filters routinely to assure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Macon, call the team at Air Temperature Control. Our trained technicians will get your system in top shape!

Seal air leaks

Find and fill in any air leaks in your home. Typical places for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps stops warm air from leaking out of your home, 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 desire, furnace replacement may be a good long-term solution. Modern furnaces are highly efficient, which can notably decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re interested in investing in a new heating system, phone the professionals at Air Temperature Control. We’re noted for knowledgeable furnace installation in Macon and will help you find a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 478-202-3170 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!