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

With numerous options and techniques available, it's possible to lower your heating costs while still trying to keep your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Irrespective of whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are several ways to find the perfect balance between warmth and savings.

Overall, a good rule is the lower the temperature within 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 HVAC bills.

Money-Saving Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re going to be home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recommends setting 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 approximately 10% on your energy costs by lowering your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By using this method, you’re not throwing away money heating your home while you’re not there.

Industry professionals 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. 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 bit by bit. That will keep your heating system from performing too hard, which could happen if you raise the temperature on your thermostat really high right away.

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

The great 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.

Other Methods to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are a number of other approaches you can utilize 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 avoid heat loss. This will decrease the workload 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 not home or asleep and increase them only when necessary.

For even more savings, buy a smart thermostat that can perceive when you are in or out and adjust the temperature appropriately. To learn more about these systems or for smart thermostat installation in Bridgeport, get a hold of the skilled technicians at Custom Air Systems. We can tell you how smart thermostats can improve your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Arrange furnace maintenance:

Schedule regular maintenance for your heating and cooling system. A well-maintained furnace runs more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters routinely to ensure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Bridgeport, call the team at Custom Air Systems. Our specialists will get your system in excellent working order!

Seal air leaks

Find and seal any air leaks in your home. Common spots for leaks including windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps prevents warm air from leaking out of your home, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfy 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 want, furnace replacement may be an ideal long-term solution. Modern day furnaces are very efficient, which can notably lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re considering upgrading to a new heating system, phone the pros at Custom Air Systems. We’re noted for knowledgeable furnace installation in Bridgeport and will help you find a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call (203) 333-1906 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!