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

With numerous options and techniques available, homeowners can decrease your heating costs while still trying to keep your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Irrespective of whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are several ways to find the appropriate balance between warmth and savings.

As a whole, a good guideline 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.

Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re around your home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) advises setting 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 Not at Home

The DOE estimates you can save approximately 10% on your energy costs by lowering your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. This way, you’re not throwing away money heating your home while you’re not there.

Industry professionals say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone an extended period of time, you can set 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 arrive home, increase the temperature gradually. That will keep your heating system from running too hard, which could happen 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 states somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the best temperature range for good sleep.

Additional Ways to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are a number of other ways you can employ so you consume less energy this winter while you heat your home. They include:

Evaluate your insulation levels

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

Set up a programmable thermostat

Purchase a programmable thermostat to control the temperature in your home conveniently. 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 sense when you are in or out and modify the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these products or for smart thermostat installation in Port St. Lucie, get a hold of the skilled technicians at Custom Air Systems Inc. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can help your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Schedule furnace maintenance:

Schedule regular maintenance for your heating and cooling system. A well-maintained heating system operates more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters regularly to make sure your unit has proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Port St. Lucie, call the team at Custom Air Systems Inc. Our specialists will get your system in top shape!

Seal air leaks

Locate and seal any air leaks in your home. Common sites for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps stops warm air from escaping, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a sufficient 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 want, furnace replacement may be a good long-term option. Modern day furnaces are highly efficient, which can significantly reduce your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re considering investing in a new heating system, phone the specialists at Custom Air Systems Inc. We’re known for knowledgeable furnace installation in Port St. Lucie and will help you pick a unit that’s well suited for your home! Call 772-677-8981 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!