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

With many options and techniques available, homeowners can lower your heating costs while still making your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Irrespective of whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are several ways to find the perfect 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 outdoor temperature, the more money you will save on heating.

Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re going to be 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 cozy, but also low enough to be energy efficient.

Effective Temperature Settings While You Not at Home

The DOE states you can save up to 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 needlessly spending money heating your home while you’re not there.

Authorities 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. That will keep your furnace running so you don’t have any frozen or burst pipes while you are away.

When you return to your 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 quite high right away.

Recommended Thermostat Settings While You Are Sleeping

The great 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.

Additional Ways 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 reduce drafts, keep warm air inside and prevent heat loss. This will limit the pressure on your heating equipment and save energy.

Install a programmable thermostat

Purchase a programmable thermostat to control the temperature in your home effectively. 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 perceive when you are in or out and adjust the temperature correctly. To learn more about these devices or for smart thermostat installation in Tucker, contact the skilled technicians at ACS Heating and Air Conditioning. We can tell you 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 furnace runs more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or replace air filters on a regular basis to ensure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Tucker, call the team at ACS Heating and Air Conditioning. We will get your system in excellent working order!

Seal air leaks

Detect and seal any air leaks in your home. Frequent sites for leaks including windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing these gaps blocks warm air from seeping out, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfortable 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 need, furnace replacement may be a good long-term solution. Contemporary furnaces are highly efficient, which can dramatically decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re interested in getting a new heating system, call the pros at ACS Heating and Air Conditioning. We’re known for skilled furnace installation in Tucker and will help you pick a unit that’s well suited for your home! Call 770-450-1539 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!