As winter approaches and the temperature drops, finding ways to save money on your energy bills becomes a top priority. One of the most effective strategies is adjusting your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without losing comfort.

With numerous options and techniques available, homeowners can reduce your heating costs while still keeping your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Regardless of whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are many ways to find the ideal balance between warmth and savings.

Overall, a good rule of thumb is the lower the temperature in your home and the less difference there is between the air inside your home and the exterior temperature, the more money you will save on your monthly energy costs.

Money-Saving Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re around your 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 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 HVAC costs by turning down 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.

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 bit by bit. That will keep your heating system from running 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 in Bed for The Night

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

More Techniques to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are many other techniques you can utilize 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 protect against heat loss. This will limit the workload on your furnace and save energy.

Set up a programmable thermostat

Install a programmable thermostat to control the temperature in your home efficiently. 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 detect when you are in or out and change the temperature appropriately. To learn more about these devices or for smart thermostat installation in Lake Forest, get a hold of the skilled technicians at 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning. We can explain how smart thermostats can help your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Schedule furnace maintenance:

Plan regular maintenance for your heating and cooling system. A well-maintained heating system functions more efficiently, decreasing energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or replace air filters routinely to make sure your unit has proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Lake Forest, call the team at 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning. Our specialists will get your system in top shape!

Seal air leaks

Detect and close off any air leaks in your home. Common places for leaks including windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Plugging these gaps blocks warm air from leaking out of your home, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a sufficient temperature.

Update your HVAC system

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

If you’re contemplating upgrading to a new heating system, call the specialists at 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning. We’re recognized for knowledgeable furnace installation in Lake Forest and will help you pick a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 949-204-0859 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!