As winter approaches and the temperature falls, finding ways to save money on your energy bills becomes a top priority. One of the best techniques is adjusting your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without sacrificing comfort.

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

As a whole, a good guideline is the lower the temperature within 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 heating.

Money-Saving Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re going to be 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 the majority of families comfy, but also low enough to be energy efficient.

Effective Temperature Settings While You Are Away

The DOE states you can save approximately 10% on your energy costs by decreasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. This way, 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 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 get back to your house, increase the temperature bit by bit. 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.

Cost-Efficient Thermostat Settings While You Are in Bed for The Night

The great 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 reports somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the best temperature range for great sleep.

Other Methods to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are several other ways you can use to consume less energy this winter while you heat your home. They include:

Check your insulation levels

Insulate doors, windows and walls to cut down on drafts, keep warm air inside and avoid 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 effectively. Set lower temperatures when you're away or asleep and increase them only when required.

For even more savings, install a smart thermostat that can sense when you are in or out and change the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these systems or for smart thermostat installation in Newport, consult with the skilled technicians at Antonelli Comfort Solutions. We can explain how smart thermostats can improve your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Arrange furnace maintenance:

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

For furnace maintenance in Newport, call the team at Antonelli Comfort Solutions. Our specialists will get your system in top shape!

Seal air leaks

Find and close off any air leaks in your home. Frequent spots for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing these gaps stops warm air from seeping out, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfortable temperature.

Improve 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 a smart long-term option. Contemporary furnaces are extremely efficient, which can significantly lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re thinking about investing in a new heating system, contact the specialists at Antonelli Comfort Solutions. We’re recognized for experienced furnace installation in Newport and will help you select a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 252-424-0803 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!