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

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

Overall, 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 outside 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 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 Going to Be Out of Your Home

The DOE states you can save as much as 10% on your heating costs by turning down your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. That way, you’re not throwing away 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 set 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 return to your home, turn up the temperature slowly. That will keep your heating system from working too hard, which could be the case if you raise the temperature on your thermostat really 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 sleep better when it’s a little colder. The National Sleep Foundation reports somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the optimal temperature range for good sleep.

Additional Tactics to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are a number of 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 counter heat loss. This will minimize the stress on your HVAC system and save energy.

Buy a programmable thermostat

Put in a programmable thermostat to manage the temperature in your home effectively. Set lower temperatures when you're away or asleep and increase them only when necessary.

For even more savings, install a smart thermostat that can perceive when you are in or out and modify the temperature appropriately. To learn more about these products or for smart thermostat installation in Northglenn, get a hold of the skilled technicians at Northglenn Heating & Air Conditioning. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can improve your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Arrange furnace maintenance:

Plan to hire someone to do regular maintenance for your heating system. A well-maintained system operates more efficiently, decreasing energy consumption and probably avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters regularly to ensure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Northglenn, call the team at Northglenn Heating & Air Conditioning. We will get your system in top shape!

Seal air leaks

Find and close off any air leaks in your home. Typical places for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing these gaps blocks warm air from escaping, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfy temperature.

Improve 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 an ideal long-term decision. Today’s furnaces are extremely efficient, which can significantly lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re contemplating investing in a new heating system, phone the pros at Northglenn Heating & Air Conditioning. We’re recognized for knowledgeable furnace installation in Northglenn and will help you find a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 303-452-4146 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!