As winter draws near and the temperature dips, finding ways to save money on your heating bills becomes a top priority. One of the simplest strategies is adjusting your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without losing comfort.

With many options and techniques available, it's possible to lower your heating costs while still keeping your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are several ways to find the ideal balance between warmth and savings.

As a whole, a good rule 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 heating.

Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re at 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 most families comfortable, but also low enough to be energy efficient.

Effective Temperature Settings While You Not at Home

The DOE estimates you can save up to 10% on your energy costs by decreasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By doing this, 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 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 get back to your house, raise the temperature slowly. That will keep your heating system from performing too hard, which could be the case 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 get good sleep when it’s a little colder. The National Sleep Foundation suggests somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the ideal temperature range for quality sleep.

Other Techniques 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 cut down on drafts, keep warm air inside and prevent heat loss. This will decrease the stress on your HVAC system and save energy.

Buy a programmable thermostat

Install a programmable thermostat to manage the temperature in your home efficiently. Set lower temperatures when you're out of your home or asleep and increase them only when needed.

For even more savings, purchase a smart thermostat that can sense when you are in or out and change the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these devices or for smart thermostat installation in Lafayette, get a hold of the skilled technicians at AC Sales. We can tell you how smart thermostats can benefit your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Arrange furnace maintenance:

Schedule regular maintenance for your HVAC system. A well-maintained furnace operates more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters on a regular basis to ensure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Lafayette, call the team at AC Sales. Our trained technicians will get your system in top shape!

Seal air leaks

Find and seal any air leaks in your home. Frequent places for leaks tend to be windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Plugging these gaps stops warm air from leaking out of your home, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a sufficient temperature.

Improve your HVAC system

If your furnace 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 solution. Modern furnaces are highly efficient, which can significantly decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re thinking about getting a new heating system, contact the specialists at AC Sales. We’re known for skilled furnace installation in Lafayette and will help you pick a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call (337) 234-2345 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!