As winter draws near and the temperature drops, finding ways to save money on your power bills becomes a top priority. One of the best tips is modifying your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without compromising comfort.

With numerous options and techniques available, it's possible to 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 plenty of ways to find the perfect balance between warmth and savings.

Overall, 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 outdoor temperature, the more money you will save on your monthly energy costs.

Ideal 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 the majority of families comfy, but also low enough to be energy efficient.

Effective Temperature Settings While You Not at Home

The DOE estimates you can save as much as 10% on your home heating costs by decreasing 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 a prolonged 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 arrive home, turn up 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.

Recommended Thermostat Settings While You Are Sleeping

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 suggests somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the best temperature range for quality sleep.

Other Techniques to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are a number of other ways you can employ so you consume less energy this winter while you heat your home. They include:

Evaluate your insulation levels

Insulate doors, windows and walls to reduce drafts, keep warm air inside and counter heat loss. This will limit the stress on your furnace and save energy.

Set up a programmable thermostat

Put in a programmable thermostat to manage the temperature in your home conveniently. Set lower temperatures when you're out of your home or asleep and increase them only when necessary.

For even more savings, buy a smart thermostat that can sense when you are in or out and modify the temperature correctly. To learn more about these gadgets or for smart thermostat installation in Sandpoint, contact the skilled technicians at Age Heating & Cooling. We can explain how smart thermostats can help your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Arrange furnace maintenance:

Plan regular maintenance for your heating and cooling system. A well-maintained system functions more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters on a regular basis to ensure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Sandpoint, call the team at Age Heating & Cooling. Our specialists will get your system in peak condition!

Seal air leaks

Find and fill in any air leaks in your home. Common spots for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Plugging these gaps blocks warm air from escaping, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a cozy temperature.

Update your HVAC system

If your heating system is old, inefficient or just isn’t able to keep your home as warm as you want, furnace replacement may be an ideal long-term solution. Modern furnaces are extremely efficient, which can dramatically reduce your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re considering investing in a new heating system, call the specialists at Age Heating & Cooling. We’re recognized for skilled furnace installation in Sandpoint and will help you select a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 208-603-2210 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!