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

With multiple options and techniques available, it's possible to reduce your heating costs while still trying to keep your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Regardless of whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are plenty of ways to find the perfect balance between warmth and savings.

As a whole, a good rule is the lower the temperature within 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 monthly energy costs.

Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

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

Effective Temperature Settings While You Are Away

The DOE states you can save up to 10% on your heating costs by turning down your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By using this method, 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 an extended period of time, you can put your thermostat as low as 50 degrees. This will be warm enough it 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, raise the temperature slowly. That will keep your heating system from running too hard, which could happen if you raise the temperature on your thermostat quite high right away.

Recommended 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 reports 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 ways you can use to consume less energy this winter while you heat your home. They include:

Check your insulation levels

Insulate doors, windows and walls to cut down on drafts, keep warm air inside and avoid heat loss. This will limit 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 efficiently. 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 perceive when you are in or out and adjust the temperature correctly. To learn more about these systems or for smart thermostat installation in Bartlesville, consult with the skilled technicians at Farris Heating & Air. We can tell you how smart thermostats can benefit your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Plan furnace maintenance:

Schedule regular maintenance for your HVAC system. A well-maintained heating system functions more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters regularly to ensure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Bartlesville, call the team at Farris Heating & Air. Our specialists will get your system in excellent working order!

Seal air leaks

Locate and seal any air leaks in your home. Typical sites for leaks including windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps prevents warm air from escaping, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a cozy temperature.

Improve your HVAC system

If your HVAC equipment 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 solution. Today’s furnaces are highly efficient, which can significantly reduce your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re considering getting a new heating system, call the professionals at Farris Heating & Air. We’re noted for skilled furnace installation in Bartlesville and will help you pick a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 918-333-0376 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!