As winter approaches and the temperature drops, finding ways to save money on your heating bills becomes a top priority. One of the simplest techniques is adjusting your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without losing comfort.

With many 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 many ways to find the appropriate balance between warmth and savings.

As a whole, 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 exterior temperature, the more money you will save on your HVAC bills.

Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

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

Effective Temperature Settings While You Are Away

The DOE states you can save up to 10% on your HVAC costs by lowering your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By using this method, 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 an extended period of time, you can set 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 waiting for you when you get home.

When you get back to your house, increase the temperature gradually. That will keep your heating system from performing too hard, which could happen if you raise the temperature on your thermostat quite high right away.

Cost-Efficient Thermostat Settings While You Are Sleeping

The great news about sleep-time thermostat settings in the winter is that people generally sleep well when it’s a little colder. The National Sleep Foundation suggests somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the optimal temperature range for good sleep.

More Methods 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 protect against heat loss. This will decrease the stress on your HVAC system and save energy.

Buy a programmable thermostat

Install a programmable thermostat to regulate the temperature in your home efficiently. Set lower temperatures when you're away or asleep and increase them only when required.

For even more savings, install a smart thermostat that can sense when you are in or out and adjust the temperature correctly. To learn more about these systems or for smart thermostat installation in Pflugerville, get a hold of the skilled technicians at Evenaire Heating & Air Conditioning. We can explain how smart thermostats can benefit your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Plan furnace maintenance:

Schedule regular maintenance for your heating and cooling system. A well-maintained system runs more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and probably avoiding costly repairs. Clean or replace air filters on a regular basis to ensure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Pflugerville, call the team at Evenaire Heating & Air Conditioning. Our trained technicians will get your system in top shape!

Seal air leaks

Find and seal any air leaks in your home. Frequent places for leaks including windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps prevents warm air from seeping out, 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 need, furnace replacement may be a smart long-term solution. Modern furnaces are very efficient, which can notably reduce your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re interested in getting a new heating system, call the specialists at Evenaire Heating & Air Conditioning. We’re recognized for knowledgeable furnace installation in Pflugerville and will help you find a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 512-355-1482 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!