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

With multiple options and techniques available, homeowners can lower your heating costs while still making your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are many ways to find the appropriate balance between warmth and savings.

In general, a good rule of thumb is the lower the temperature inside 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 heating.

Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re at home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) advises setting your thermostat to between 68°F and 70°F in the winter. That’s warm enough to keep lots of families comfortable, but also low enough to be energy efficient.

Effective Temperature Settings While You Are Away

The DOE reports 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.

Experts say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone a long 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 get back to your house, raise the temperature gradually. That will keep your heating system from performing too hard, which could happen if you raise the temperature on your thermostat quite high right away.

Cost-Efficient Thermostat Settings While You Are Asleep

The nice thing 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 optimal temperature range for good sleep.

Additional Tactics to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are a number of other approaches 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 cut down on drafts, keep warm air inside and avoid heat loss. This will decrease the workload on your HVAC system and save energy.

Install a programmable thermostat

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

For even more savings, install a smart thermostat that can detect when you are in or out and modify the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these products or for smart thermostat installation in Manassas, contact the skilled technicians at Air-Right Energy Design. We can tell you how smart thermostats can benefit your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Arrange furnace maintenance:

Plan regular maintenance for your heating system. A well-maintained system runs more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters regularly to assure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Manassas, call the team at Air-Right Energy Design. We will get your system in top shape!

Seal air leaks

Locate and seal any air leaks in your home. Typical sites for leaks including windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps stops warm air from escaping, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a cozy temperature.

Update your HVAC system

If your HVAC equipment is old, inefficient or just isn’t able to keep your home as warm as you need, furnace replacement may be an ideal long-term decision. Modern day furnaces are very efficient, which can significantly lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re considering getting a new heating system, contact the professionals at Air-Right Energy Design. We’re known for skilled furnace installation in Manassas and will help you select a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 703-260-1148 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!