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

With many options and techniques available, you can reduce 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 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 going to be home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recommends setting your thermostat to between 68°F and 70°F in the winter. That’s warm enough to keep most families comfy, but also low enough to be energy efficient.

Effective Temperature Settings While You Not at Home

The DOE reports you can save as much as 10% on your energy costs by turning down your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By doing this, you’re not throwing away money heating your home while you’re not there.

Industry professionals say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone a prolonged 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 while you are away.

When you arrive home, increase the temperature slowly. That will keep your heating system from performing too hard, which could happen if you raise the temperature on your thermostat very high right away.

Recommended Thermostat Settings While You Are Sleeping

The nice thing 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 great sleep.

Additional Tactics to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are many other approaches 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 cut down on drafts, keep warm air inside and prevent heat loss. This will decrease the workload on your furnace 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, buy a smart thermostat that can sense when you are in or out and adjust the temperature correctly. To learn more about these systems or for smart thermostat installation in Northridge, consult with the skilled technicians at Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating. We can tell you how smart thermostats can benefit your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Schedule furnace maintenance:

Plan to hire someone to do regular maintenance for your heating and cooling system. A well-maintained system runs more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and probably avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters regularly to make sure your unit has proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Northridge, call the team at Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating. Our specialists will get your system in top shape!

Seal air leaks

Find and close off any air leaks in your home. Typical sites for leaks tend to be windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps stops warm air from seeping out, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfy temperature.

Improve 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 good long-term option. Today’s furnaces are extremely efficient, which can significantly lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re considering upgrading to a new heating system, contact the specialists at Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating. We’re known for experienced furnace installation in Northridge and will help you select a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call (818) 727-9993 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!