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

With multiple options and techniques available, homeowners can reduce your heating costs while still making 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.

Overall, a good guideline is the lower the temperature in 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 heating.

Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re at home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recommends setting your thermostat to between 68°F and 70°F in the winter. That’s warm enough to keep the majority of families comfy, but also low enough to be energy efficient.

Effective Temperature Settings While You Going to Be Out of Your Home

The DOE reports you can save up to 10% on your home heating costs by decreasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By doing this, 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 an extended 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 little by little. 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.

Suggested 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 says 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 use 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 avoid heat loss. This will minimize the stress on your heating equipment and save energy.

Install a programmable thermostat

Purchase a programmable thermostat to control the temperature in your home conveniently. Set lower temperatures when you're away or asleep and increase them only when needed.

For even more savings, install a smart thermostat that can detect when you are in or out and change the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these systems or for smart thermostat installation in Temple/Belton , get a hold of the skilled technicians at Bell Air Conditioning Inc. We can explain how smart thermostats can improve your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Plan furnace maintenance:

Plan to hire someone to do regular maintenance for your heating system. A well-maintained furnace functions more efficiently, decreasing energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or replace air filters routinely to make sure your unit has proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Temple/Belton , call the team at Bell Air Conditioning Inc. Our trained technicians will get your system in excellent working order!

Seal air leaks

Find and fill in any air leaks in your home. Common places 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 sufficient temperature.

Upgrade your HVAC system

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

If you’re contemplating upgrading to a new heating system, contact the specialists at Bell Air Conditioning Inc. We’re noted for skilled furnace installation in Temple/Belton and will help you choose a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 254-307-9572 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!