As winter gets closer and the temperature falls, finding ways to save money on your power bills becomes a top priority. One of the most effective techniques is modifying your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without sacrificing comfort.

With several options and techniques available, you can decrease 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 several ways to find the perfect balance between warmth and savings.

Overall, a good guideline 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 heating.

Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re around your home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) advises dialing 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 Going to Be Out of Your Home

The DOE states you can save up to 10% on your home heating 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 adjust 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 waiting for you when you get home.

When you return to your home, increase the temperature little by little. That will keep your heating system from running too hard, which it could if you raise the temperature on your thermostat quite high right away.

Recommended Thermostat Settings While You Are in Bed for The Night

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

More Methods to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are a number of 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 avoid heat loss. This will decrease the stress on your HVAC system and save energy.

Set up a programmable thermostat

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

For even more savings, install a smart thermostat that can perceive when you are in or out and change the temperature appropriately. To learn more about these systems or for smart thermostat installation in Highlands Ranch, get a hold of the skilled technicians at PS Cool Heat. We can explain how smart thermostats can benefit your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Plan furnace maintenance:

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

For furnace maintenance in Highlands Ranch, call the team at PS Cool Heat. We will get your system in top shape!

Seal air leaks

Locate and fill in any air leaks in your home. Frequent places for leaks tend to be windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing these gaps prevents warm air from seeping out, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfortable temperature.

Improve your HVAC system

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

If you’re thinking about getting a new heating system, call the professionals at PS Cool Heat. We’re known for experienced furnace installation in Highlands Ranch and will help you pick a unit that’s well suited for your home! Call 720-613-2210 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!