As winter approaches and the temperature drops, finding ways to save money on your power bills becomes a top priority. One of the most effective ways is adjusting your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without compromising comfort.

With many options and techniques available, you can lower 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 appropriate balance between warmth and savings.

Overall, a good rule is the lower the temperature inside 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.

Ideal Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

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

The DOE estimates you can save up to 10% on your heating costs by decreasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. That way, you’re not wasting money heating your home while you’re not there.

Experts say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone a prolonged period of time, you can put 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, turn up 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 quite high right away.

Suggested Thermostat Settings While You Are Sleeping

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 says somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the best temperature range for quality sleep.

More Ways to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are many other techniques you can employ so you consume less energy this winter while you heat your home. They include:

Examine your insulation levels

Insulate doors, windows and walls to reduce drafts, keep warm air inside and avoid heat loss. This will decrease the stress on your furnace and save energy.

Buy a programmable thermostat

Install a programmable thermostat to regulate the temperature in your home conveniently. Set lower temperatures when you're out of your 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 modify the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these devices or for smart thermostat installation in Mount Pleasant, consult with the skilled technicians at Olde Towne Heating & Air. We can explain 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 system. A well-maintained system operates more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters on a regular basis to ensure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Mount Pleasant, call the team at Olde Towne Heating & Air. We will get your system in peak condition!

Seal air leaks

Locate and fill in any air leaks in your home. Typical places for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Plugging these gaps stops warm air from seeping out, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a cozy temperature.

Improve 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. Contemporary furnaces are highly efficient, which can significantly lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re contemplating upgrading to a new heating system, call the pros at Olde Towne Heating & Air. We’re noted for knowledgeable furnace installation in Mount Pleasant and will help you pick a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 843-485-0967 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!