As winter draws near and the temperature falls, finding ways to save money on your energy bills becomes a top priority. One of the most effective ways is modifying your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without sacrificing comfort.

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

As a whole, 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 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 at 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 as much as 10% on your energy costs by lowering your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. This way, you’re not needlessly spending money heating your home while you’re not there.

Authorities say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone a prolonged period of time, you can adjust 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, turn up the temperature bit by bit. That will keep your heating system from running too hard, which it could 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 get good sleep when it’s a little colder. The National Sleep Foundation reports somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the ideal temperature range for good sleep.

More Methods to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are many other techniques you can employ so you 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 protect against heat loss. This will minimize the pressure on your heating equipment and save energy.

Install a programmable thermostat

Put in a programmable thermostat to manage the temperature in your home efficiently. 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 perceive when you are in or out and modify the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these systems or for smart thermostat installation in Manassas, get a hold of the skilled technicians at Air-Right Energy Design. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can improve your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Arrange furnace maintenance:

Schedule regular maintenance for your HVAC system. A well-maintained system runs more efficiently, decreasing energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or replace air filters regularly to make sure your unit has proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Manassas, call the team at Air-Right Energy Design. 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 sites for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Plugging these gaps prevents warm air from leaking out of your home, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a cozy temperature.

Improve 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 a good long-term option. Contemporary furnaces are very efficient, which can dramatically reduce your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re thinking about investing in a new heating system, phone the pros at Air-Right Energy Design. We’re noted for knowledgeable furnace installation in Manassas and will help you choose a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 703-260-1148 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!