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

With many options and techniques available, it's possible to reduce your heating costs while still making your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are several ways to find the ideal balance between warmth and savings.

As a whole, a good guideline is the lower the temperature inside 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 your monthly energy costs.

Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re going to be 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 most families cozy, but also low enough to be energy efficient.

Effective Temperature Settings While You Are Away

The DOE estimates you can save approximately 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.

Experts say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone a long 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 waiting for you when you get home.

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

Cost-Efficient Thermostat Settings While You Are Sleeping

The nice thing about sleep-time thermostat settings in the winter is that people sleep better when it’s a little colder. The National Sleep Foundation suggests somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the best temperature range for quality sleep.

More Tactics to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are many 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 minimize drafts, keep warm air inside and prevent heat loss. This will decrease the stress on your heating equipment and save energy.

Install a programmable thermostat

Install a programmable thermostat to manage the temperature in your home effortlessly. Set lower temperatures when you're not home or asleep and increase them only when necessary.

For even more savings, set up a smart thermostat that can sense when you are in or out and change the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these devices or for smart thermostat installation in Derby, get a hold of the skilled technicians at Giordanos Heating and Air Conditioning. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can benefit your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Schedule furnace maintenance:

Plan regular maintenance for your heating and cooling system. A well-maintained furnace operates more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and probably avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters regularly to assure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Derby, call the team at Giordanos Heating and Air Conditioning. We will get your system in peak condition!

Seal air leaks

Find and close off any air leaks in your home. Common spots 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.

Improve your HVAC system

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

If you’re contemplating getting a new heating system, phone the professionals at Giordanos Heating and Air Conditioning. We’re recognized for skilled furnace installation in Derby and will help you find a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 203-772-8319 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!