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

With numerous options and techniques available, homeowners can reduce your heating costs while still making 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 guideline is the lower the temperature in 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.

Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re at 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 lots of families comfy, but also low enough to be energy efficient.

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

The DOE estimates you can save up to 10% on your energy costs by decreasing 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.

Experts say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone a long 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 arrive home, raise the temperature gradually. That will keep your heating system from running too hard, which could happen if you raise the temperature on your thermostat very high right away.

Recommended Thermostat Settings While You Are Asleep

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 states somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the ideal temperature range for good sleep.

Additional Techniques 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:

Examine your insulation levels

Insulate doors, windows and walls to reduce drafts, keep warm air inside and prevent heat loss. This will limit the pressure on your heating equipment and save energy.

Buy 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 needed.

For even more savings, set up a smart thermostat that can detect when you are in or out and modify the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these systems or for smart thermostat installation in Safford, contact the skilled technicians at B&D Air Conditioning. We can explain how smart thermostats can improve your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Arrange furnace maintenance:

Plan to hire someone to do regular maintenance for your HVAC system. A well-maintained system operates more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and probably avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters on a regular basis to assure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Safford, call the team at B&D Air Conditioning. Our trained technicians will get your system in top shape!

Seal air leaks

Locate and close off any air leaks in your home. Common sites for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps blocks warm air from seeping out, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfortable 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 decision. Modern day furnaces are extremely efficient, which can dramatically reduce your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re considering getting a new heating system, call the pros at B&D Air Conditioning. We’re known for knowledgeable furnace installation in Safford and will help you find a unit that’s well suited for your home! Call 928-432-6018 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!