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

With many options and techniques available, it's possible to lower your heating costs while still trying to keep 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 ideal balance between warmth and savings.

In general, a good rule is the lower the temperature in 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 heating.

Best 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 lots of families comfy, but also low enough to be energy efficient.

Effective Temperature Settings While You Are Away

The DOE reports you can save as much as 10% on your energy costs by decreasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. That 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 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 cause damage to your home while you're gone.

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

Cost-Efficient Thermostat Settings While You Are in Bed for The Night

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 states somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the optimal temperature range for good 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:

Examine your insulation levels

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

Set up a programmable thermostat

Put in 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 needed.

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 devices or for smart thermostat installation in Houston, contact the skilled technicians at Air Current AC & Heat. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can improve your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Arrange furnace maintenance:

Schedule regular maintenance for your heating system. A well-maintained system functions more efficiently, decreasing energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters on a regular basis to make sure your unit has proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Houston, call the team at Air Current AC & Heat. We will get your system in excellent working order!

Seal air leaks

Detect and fill in any air leaks in your home. Common sites for leaks including windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing these gaps stops warm air from seeping out, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a cozy temperature.

Update your HVAC system

If your heating system is old, inefficient or just isn’t able to keep your home as warm as you desire, furnace replacement may be an ideal long-term decision. Modern furnaces are highly efficient, which can dramatically reduce your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re considering investing in a new heating system, phone the professionals at Air Current AC & Heat. We’re noted for skilled furnace installation in Houston and will help you select a unit that’s well suited for your home! Call 713-322-4318 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!