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

With many options and techniques available, homeowners can reduce 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 perfect balance between warmth and savings.

In general, a good rule of thumb 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 your monthly energy costs.

Ideal Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re going to be home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recommends putting 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 Going to Be Out of Your Home

The DOE states you can save approximately 10% on your heating costs by lowering your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By doing this, you’re not needlessly spending money heating your home while you’re not there.

Authorities say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone a long period of time, you can set 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 return to your home, increase the temperature gradually. That will keep your heating system from running too hard, which could be the case if you raise the temperature on your thermostat quite high right away.

Suggested Thermostat Settings While You Are in Bed for The Night

The good news 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.

Other Tactics to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are a number of other approaches you can utilize to 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 counter heat loss. This will limit the workload on your HVAC system and save energy.

Buy a programmable thermostat

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

For even more savings, purchase a smart thermostat that can detect when you are in or out and change the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these devices or for smart thermostat installation in Omaha, consult with the skilled technicians at The Frazier Company. We can explain how smart thermostats can help your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Plan furnace maintenance:

Plan to hire someone to do regular maintenance for your HVAC system. A well-maintained furnace functions more efficiently, decreasing energy consumption and probably avoiding costly repairs. Clean or replace air filters routinely to make sure your unit has proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Omaha, call the team at The Frazier Company. We will get your system in peak condition!

Seal air leaks

Find and fill in any air leaks in your home. Common sites for leaks including windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing these gaps prevents warm air from escaping, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a cozy 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 desire, furnace replacement may be a good long-term solution. Contemporary furnaces are very efficient, which can considerably reduce your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re considering getting a new heating system, phone the pros at The Frazier Company. We’re noted for knowledgeable furnace installation in Omaha and will help you pick a unit that’s well suited for your home! Call 402-581-9502 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!