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

With multiple options and techniques available, it's possible to decrease 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 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.

Ideal Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re at home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recommends dialing 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 Not at Home

The DOE reports you can save approximately 10% on your HVAC costs by turning down 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.

Experts 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. Doing this will keep your furnace running so you don’t have any frozen or burst pipes waiting for you when you get home.

When you return to your home, raise 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 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.

Other Tactics 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:

Examine your insulation levels

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

Set up a programmable thermostat

Purchase a programmable thermostat to regulate 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 detect when you are in or out and adjust the temperature appropriately. To learn more about these systems or for smart thermostat installation in Cottonwood & Prescott, consult with the skilled technicians at Connolly Electric & Mechanical. We can explain how smart thermostats can benefit your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Plan furnace maintenance:

Plan to hire someone to do regular maintenance for your HVAC system. A well-maintained heating system runs more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters regularly to make sure your unit has proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Cottonwood & Prescott, call the team at Connolly Electric & Mechanical. Our trained technicians will get your system in peak condition!

Seal air leaks

Find and seal any air leaks in your home. Typical places for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing these gaps blocks warm air from seeping out, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfortable 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 need, furnace replacement may be an ideal long-term decision. Modern day furnaces are very efficient, which can significantly decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re interested in getting a new heating system, contact the pros at Connolly Electric & Mechanical. We’re recognized for experienced furnace installation in Cottonwood & Prescott and will help you choose a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 928-251-4327 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!