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

With numerous options and techniques available, it's possible to lower 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 several 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.

Money-Saving Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re around your home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) advises 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 as much as 10% on your home heating costs by turning down your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. That way, 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. Doing this 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 get back to your house, increase the temperature little by little. That will keep your heating system from running too hard, which could happen if you raise the temperature on your thermostat very high right away.

Cost-Efficient Thermostat Settings While You Are Asleep

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

More Ways to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are several 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 minimize drafts, keep warm air inside and prevent heat loss. This will minimize the workload on your HVAC system and save energy.

Set up a programmable thermostat

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

For even more savings, buy a smart thermostat that can detect when you are in or out and adjust the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these devices or for smart thermostat installation in Newton, consult with the skilled technicians at Brookwood Inc. We can tell you how smart thermostats can help your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Schedule furnace maintenance:

Schedule regular maintenance for your heating system. A well-maintained system operates more efficiently, decreasing energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters routinely to assure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Newton, call the team at Brookwood Inc. We will get your system in peak condition!

Seal air leaks

Locate and seal any air leaks in your home. Typical places 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 cozy 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 an ideal long-term solution. Modern day furnaces are highly efficient, which can notably decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re considering upgrading to a new heating system, contact the pros at Brookwood Inc. We’re recognized for experienced furnace installation in Newton and will help you select a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 641-316-9803 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!