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

With numerous options and techniques available, you can reduce your heating costs while still making your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Regardless of whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are plenty of ways to find the ideal balance between warmth and savings.

As a whole, a good guideline is the lower the temperature within your home and the less difference there is between the air inside your home and the outdoor 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) suggests setting 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 reports you can save approximately 10% on your HVAC costs by decreasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By doing this, 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 long 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 waiting for you when you get home.

When you arrive home, increase the temperature little by little. That will keep your heating system from performing too hard, which could happen if you raise the temperature on your thermostat very high right away.

Suggested Thermostat Settings While You Are Sleeping

The nice thing about sleep-time thermostat settings in the winter is that people generally sleep well when it’s a little colder. The National Sleep Foundation says somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the best temperature range for quality sleep.

More Techniques to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are many other techniques 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 counter heat loss. This will decrease the stress on your heating equipment and save energy.

Set up a programmable thermostat

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

For even more savings, purchase a smart thermostat that can detect when you are in or out and modify the temperature correctly. To learn more about these devices or for smart thermostat installation in Holbrook, contact the skilled technicians at Fal-Ken Heating & Cooling Corporation. We can explain how smart thermostats can improve your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Plan furnace maintenance:

Plan regular maintenance for your HVAC system. A well-maintained heating system functions more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and probably avoiding costly repairs. Clean or replace air filters regularly to ensure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Holbrook, call the team at Fal-Ken Heating & Cooling Corporation. Our specialists will get your system in excellent working order!

Seal air leaks

Find and fill in any air leaks in your home. Frequent sites for leaks tend to be windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps prevents warm air from escaping, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfortable temperature.

Update your HVAC system

If your furnace is old, inefficient or just isn’t able to keep your home as warm as you need, furnace replacement may be a smart long-term option. Contemporary furnaces are highly efficient, which can significantly decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re thinking about investing in a new heating system, call the professionals at Fal-Ken Heating & Cooling Corporation. We’re noted for experienced furnace installation in Holbrook and will help you select a unit that’s well suited for your home! Call 631-460-5159 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!