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

With many options and techniques available, it's possible to lower your heating costs while still trying to keep 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 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 outside temperature, the more money you will save on your monthly energy costs.

Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

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

The DOE reports you can save approximately 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.

Experts say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone a long period of time, you can put 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 little by little. That will keep your heating system from running too hard, which it could if you raise the temperature on your thermostat very high right away.

Suggested Thermostat Settings While You Are Asleep

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 states somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the ideal temperature range for quality sleep.

More 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:

Examine your insulation levels

Insulate doors, windows and walls to reduce drafts, keep warm air inside and prevent heat loss. This will decrease the pressure on your HVAC system and save energy.

Set up a programmable thermostat

Purchase a programmable thermostat to manage the temperature in your home conveniently. Set lower temperatures when you're away or asleep and increase them only when required.

For even more savings, set up a smart thermostat that can detect when you are in or out and change the temperature correctly. To learn more about these gadgets or for smart thermostat installation in Athol, get a hold of the skilled technicians at Alpine Summit Heating & Cooling. We can explain how smart thermostats can improve your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Arrange furnace maintenance:

Plan to hire someone to do regular maintenance for your heating system. A well-maintained furnace runs more efficiently, decreasing energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters regularly to assure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Athol, call the team at Alpine Summit Heating & Cooling. Our specialists will get your system in peak condition!

Seal air leaks

Find and fill in any air leaks in your home. Common spots for leaks are 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 cozy temperature.

Improve your HVAC system

If your heating system is old, inefficient or just isn’t able to keep your home as warm as you need, furnace replacement may be a smart long-term decision. Contemporary furnaces are extremely efficient, which can significantly lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re interested in upgrading to a new heating system, phone the pros at Alpine Summit Heating & Cooling. We’re known for skilled furnace installation in Athol and will help you choose a unit that’s well suited for your home! Call 208-561-1226 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!