As winter draws near and the temperature falls, 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 compromising comfort.

With numerous options and techniques available, it's possible to decrease your heating costs while still trying to keep 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 perfect balance between warmth and savings.

As a whole, a good rule is the lower the temperature within 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 monthly energy costs.

Money-Saving Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re around your home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recommends putting 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 Going to Be Out of Your Home

The DOE estimates 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 needlessly spending money heating your home while you’re not there.

Industry professionals say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone a prolonged period of time, you can put 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 while you are away.

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.

Recommended Thermostat Settings While You Are Sleeping

The nice thing about sleep-time thermostat settings in the winter is that people generally sleep well 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 Methods 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:

Check your insulation levels

Insulate doors, windows and walls to minimize drafts, keep warm air inside and counter heat loss. This will limit the pressure on your furnace and save energy.

Set up a programmable thermostat

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

For even more savings, buy a smart thermostat that can perceive when you are in or out and change the temperature appropriately. To learn more about these gadgets or for smart thermostat installation in Erie, consult with the skilled technicians at Patterson & Stirling. We can tell you 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 HVAC system. A well-maintained furnace functions more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and probably avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters routinely to make sure your unit has proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Erie, call the team at Patterson & Stirling. We will get your system in excellent working order!

Seal air leaks

Find and close off any air leaks in your home. Typical sites for leaks including windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing these gaps prevents warm air from seeping out, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfortable temperature.

Update your HVAC system

If your HVAC equipment 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 option. Contemporary furnaces are extremely efficient, which can dramatically decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re considering upgrading to a new heating system, phone the professionals at Patterson & Stirling. We’re recognized for experienced furnace installation in Erie and will help you choose a unit that’s well suited for your home! Call 814-308-0416 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!