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

With many options and techniques available, homeowners can 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 plenty of ways to find the perfect 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 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) recommends dialing 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 approximately 10% on your energy costs by turning down your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By using this method, 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 waiting for you when you get home.

When you return to your home, increase the temperature slowly. That will keep your heating system from working too hard, which could be the case if you raise the temperature on your thermostat really high right away.

Suggested Thermostat Settings While You Are Asleep

The great 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 states somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the best temperature range for good sleep.

Other Methods to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are many 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 minimize drafts, keep warm air inside and avoid heat loss. This will decrease the workload on your furnace and save energy.

Buy a programmable thermostat

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

For even more savings, buy 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 Holbrook, contact the skilled technicians at Fal-Ken Heating & Cooling Corporation. We can explain how smart thermostats can help your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Schedule furnace maintenance:

Schedule regular maintenance for your heating system. A well-maintained heating system functions more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or replace air filters regularly to make sure your unit has proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Holbrook, call the team at Fal-Ken Heating & Cooling Corporation. We will get your system in top shape!

Seal air leaks

Detect and seal any air leaks in your home. Frequent spots for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing these gaps prevents warm air from leaking out of your home, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfy temperature.

Upgrade your HVAC system

If your HVAC equipment is old, inefficient or just isn’t able to keep your home as warm as you desire, furnace replacement may be an ideal long-term option. Modern furnaces are highly efficient, which can considerably decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re contemplating getting a new heating system, contact the pros at Fal-Ken Heating & Cooling Corporation. We’re recognized for knowledgeable furnace installation in Holbrook and will help you choose a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 631-460-5159 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!