As winter draws near and the temperature drops, finding ways to save money on your heating bills becomes a top priority. One of the simplest techniques is modifying your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without losing comfort.

With many options and techniques available, it's possible to 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 many 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 outside temperature, the more money you will save on your HVAC bills.

Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re going to be 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 lots of families comfy, but also low enough to be energy efficient.

Effective Temperature Settings While You Are Away

The DOE reports you can save as much as 10% on your energy costs by lowering 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.

Industry professionals say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone a long period of time, you can adjust 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 arrive home, 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.

Suggested Thermostat Settings While You Are Asleep

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

Additional Ways to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are many other techniques 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 avoid heat loss. This will minimize the pressure on your furnace and save energy.

Install a programmable thermostat

Purchase a programmable thermostat to control the temperature in your home efficiently. Set lower temperatures when you're not home or asleep and increase them only when needed.

For even more savings, set up a smart thermostat that can perceive when you are in or out and adjust the temperature appropriately. To learn more about these products or for smart thermostat installation in Houston, get a hold of the skilled technicians at 249 Air. 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 heating system. A well-maintained system functions more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and probably avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters on a regular basis to assure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Houston, call the team at 249 Air. Our specialists will get your system in top shape!

Seal air leaks

Detect and seal any air leaks in your home. Typical spots for leaks tend to be windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps prevents warm air from leaking out of your home, 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 need, furnace replacement may be a good long-term option. Modern day furnaces are extremely efficient, which can notably reduce your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re interested in upgrading to a new heating system, call the pros at 249 Air. We’re noted for experienced furnace installation in Houston and will help you pick a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 832-263-1969 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!