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 techniques is modifying your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without losing comfort.

With multiple options and techniques available, it's possible to decrease your heating costs while still making 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 guideline is the lower the temperature within your home and the less difference there is between the air inside your home and the outdoor temperature, the more money you will save on heating.

Ideal Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

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

Effective Temperature Settings While You Not at Home

The DOE reports you can save up to 10% on your HVAC costs by decreasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. That way, you’re not throwing away money heating your home while you’re not there.

Authorities 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. 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 get back to your house, turn up the temperature little by little. That will keep your heating system from performing too hard, which could happen if you raise the temperature on your thermostat quite high right away.

Cost-Efficient 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 says somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the best temperature range for great sleep.

Additional Methods to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are a number of 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 counter heat loss. This will decrease the workload on your HVAC system and save energy.

Install a programmable thermostat

Purchase a programmable thermostat to regulate the temperature in your home effortlessly. 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 detect when you are in or out and modify the temperature correctly. To learn more about these products or for smart thermostat installation in Mobile, consult with the skilled technicians at Farnell Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. We can tell you how smart thermostats can benefit your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Arrange furnace maintenance:

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

For furnace maintenance in Mobile, call the team at Farnell Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. We will get your system in peak condition!

Seal air leaks

Find and fill in any air leaks in your home. Frequent places for leaks tend to be windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing these gaps stops warm air from seeping out, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfortable temperature.

Upgrade 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 an ideal long-term option. Modern day furnaces are very efficient, which can notably decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re interested in upgrading to a new heating system, call the specialists at Farnell Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. We’re recognized for knowledgeable furnace installation in Mobile and will help you select a unit that’s well suited for your home! Call 251-471-2674 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!