As winter draws near and the temperature falls, 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 sacrificing comfort.

With several options and techniques available, you can lower your heating costs while still keeping 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 ideal balance between warmth and savings.

As a whole, a good guideline is the lower the temperature inside 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.

Money-Saving Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re at 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 the majority of families cozy, but also low enough to be energy efficient.

Effective Temperature Settings While You Going to Be Out of Your Home

The DOE reports you can save as much as 10% on your HVAC costs by lowering your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By doing this, you’re not wasting money heating your home while you’re not there.

Experts say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone an extended 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 while you are away.

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 be the case if you raise the temperature on your thermostat quite high right away.

Recommended Thermostat Settings While You Are Asleep

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

Additional Methods to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are a number of other approaches you can use to consume less energy this winter while you heat your home. They include:

Evaluate your insulation levels

Insulate doors, windows and walls to cut down on drafts, keep warm air inside and counter heat loss. This will minimize the stress on your HVAC system and save energy.

Buy a programmable thermostat

Install a programmable thermostat to control the temperature in your home conveniently. 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 perceive when you are in or out and modify the temperature correctly. To learn more about these gadgets or for smart thermostat installation in Bend, get a hold of the skilled technicians at Tri County Climate Control LLC. We can explain how smart thermostats can benefit your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Plan furnace maintenance:

Schedule regular maintenance for your heating system. A well-maintained furnace runs more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters regularly to assure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Bend, call the team at Tri County Climate Control LLC. Our trained technicians will get your system in top shape!

Seal air leaks

Detect and seal any air leaks in your home. Frequent spots for leaks tend to be windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Plugging these gaps stops warm air from leaking out of your home, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a cozy temperature.

Improve your HVAC system

If your furnace is old, inefficient or just isn’t able to keep your home as warm as you want, furnace replacement may be a smart long-term option. Today’s furnaces are very efficient, which can notably decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re interested in investing in a new heating system, contact the specialists at Tri County Climate Control LLC. We’re noted for experienced furnace installation in Bend and will help you pick a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 541-238-2797 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!