As winter gets closer and the temperature falls, finding ways to save money on your energy bills becomes a top priority. One of the best tips is adjusting your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without losing comfort.

With many options and techniques available, homeowners can reduce 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 several ways to find the ideal 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 at 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 lots of families cozy, but also low enough to be energy efficient.

Effective Temperature Settings While You Are Away

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

Experts 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. This will be warm enough it will keep your furnace running so you don’t have any frozen or burst pipes while you are away.

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

Cost-Efficient Thermostat Settings While You Are in Bed for The Night

The nice thing 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 best temperature range for great sleep.

Other Ways to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are many other techniques 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 cut down on drafts, keep warm air inside and protect against heat loss. This will limit the stress on your HVAC system and save energy.

Install a programmable thermostat

Put in a programmable thermostat to control the temperature in your home effortlessly. Set lower temperatures when you're out of your home or asleep and increase them only when required.

For even more savings, purchase a smart thermostat that can perceive when you are in or out and adjust the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these gadgets or for smart thermostat installation in Lincoln, get a hold of the skilled technicians at AW Heating & Air Conditioning. We can provide you with information about 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 and cooling system. A well-maintained furnace operates more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters routinely to assure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Lincoln, call the team at AW Heating & Air Conditioning. Our specialists will get your system in peak condition!

Seal air leaks

Locate and close off any air leaks in your home. Common sites for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Plugging these gaps prevents warm air from leaking out of your home, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a sufficient temperature.

Upgrade your HVAC system

If your HVAC equipment is old, inefficient or just isn’t able to keep your home as warm as you want, furnace replacement may be a good long-term decision. Today’s furnaces are very efficient, which can considerably reduce your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re interested in getting a new heating system, contact the specialists at AW Heating & Air Conditioning. We’re recognized for knowledgeable furnace installation in Lincoln and will help you pick a unit that’s well suited for your home! Call 402-438-7992 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!