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

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

In general, 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 outdoor temperature, the more money you will save on your HVAC bills.

Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re at home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) suggests setting your thermostat to between 68°F and 70°F in the winter. That’s warm enough to keep most families cozy, 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 home heating costs by turning down your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By doing this, you’re not wasting 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. That 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 arrive home, increase the temperature bit by bit. That will keep your heating system from working too hard, which it could if you raise the temperature on your thermostat really high right away.

Suggested Thermostat Settings While You Are in Bed for The Night

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

Additional Tactics to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are several 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 counter heat loss. This will minimize the pressure on your heating equipment and save energy.

Set up a programmable thermostat

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

For even more savings, buy a smart thermostat that can sense when you are in or out and change the temperature appropriately. To learn more about these gadgets or for smart thermostat installation in Lafayette, consult with the skilled technicians at AC Sales. We can explain how smart thermostats can benefit your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Arrange furnace maintenance:

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

For furnace maintenance in Lafayette, call the team at AC Sales. Our specialists will get your system in excellent working order!

Seal air leaks

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

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

If you’re contemplating upgrading to a new heating system, call the professionals at AC Sales. We’re known for knowledgeable furnace installation in Lafayette and will help you select a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call (337) 234-2345 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!