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

With multiple options and techniques available, homeowners can lower your heating costs while still trying to keep 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 appropriate 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 outdoor temperature, the more money you will save on your HVAC bills.

Ideal 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 comfy, but also low enough to be energy efficient.

Effective Temperature Settings While You Not at Home

The DOE states you can save approximately 10% on your heating 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. 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 get back to your house, raise the temperature bit by bit. That will keep your heating system from working too hard, which could happen if you raise the temperature on your thermostat quite high right away.

Cost-Efficient Thermostat Settings While You Are Asleep

The great news 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 best temperature range for quality sleep.

More Methods to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are many other techniques 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 reduce drafts, keep warm air inside and protect against heat loss. This will limit the workload on your HVAC system and save energy.

Install a programmable thermostat

Purchase a programmable thermostat to control the temperature in your home effectively. 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 detect when you are in or out and modify the temperature correctly. To learn more about these devices or for smart thermostat installation in Smyrna, contact the skilled technicians at Fletcher Plumbing, Heating & AC. We can tell you how smart thermostats can improve your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Schedule furnace maintenance:

Schedule regular maintenance for your HVAC system. A well-maintained system functions more efficiently, decreasing energy consumption and probably avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters on a regular basis to ensure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Smyrna, call the team at Fletcher Plumbing, Heating & AC. Our trained technicians will get your system in peak condition!

Seal air leaks

Find and seal any air leaks in your home. Frequent sites for leaks tend to be windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Plugging these gaps blocks warm air from escaping, 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 need, furnace replacement may be a smart long-term solution. Modern day furnaces are very efficient, which can notably decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re considering getting a new heating system, call the pros at Fletcher Plumbing, Heating & AC. We’re noted for skilled furnace installation in Smyrna and will help you choose a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 302-653-0503 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!