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 ways is modifying your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without sacrificing comfort.

With several options and techniques available, it's possible to 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 many ways to find the appropriate 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 heating.

Ideal Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

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

Effective Temperature Settings While You Not at Home

The DOE estimates you can save approximately 10% on your HVAC 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 an extended period of time, you can adjust 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, increase the temperature gradually. That will keep your heating system from performing too hard, which could be the case if you raise the temperature on your thermostat quite high right away.

Recommended Thermostat Settings While You Are in Bed for The Night

The great news about sleep-time thermostat settings in the winter is that people sleep better when it’s a little colder. The National Sleep Foundation says somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the ideal temperature range for good sleep.

Additional Techniques to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are many other ways 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 cut down on drafts, keep warm air inside and avoid heat loss. This will decrease the pressure on your HVAC system and save energy.

Buy a programmable thermostat

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

For even more savings, purchase a smart thermostat that can sense when you are in or out and change the temperature correctly. To learn more about these products or for smart thermostat installation in Manassas, consult with the skilled technicians at Air-Right Energy Design. We can explain how smart thermostats can benefit your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Plan furnace maintenance:

Schedule regular maintenance for your heating and cooling system. A well-maintained furnace runs more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters routinely to ensure 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

Detect and seal any air leaks in your home. Common spots for leaks tend to be windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps stops warm air from seeping out, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfortable temperature.

Improve your HVAC system

If your HVAC equipment is old, inefficient or just isn’t able to keep your home as warm as you desire, furnace replacement may be an ideal long-term solution. Contemporary furnaces are very efficient, which can dramatically reduce your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re interested in investing in a new heating system, phone the pros at Air-Right Energy Design. We’re recognized for skilled furnace installation in Manassas and will help you find a unit that’s well suited for your home! Call 703-260-1148 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!