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 tips is changing your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without losing comfort.

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

As a whole, a good guideline 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 your HVAC bills.

Money-Saving Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re around your 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 cozy, but also low enough to be energy efficient.

Effective Temperature Settings While You Not at Home

The DOE reports you can save as much as 10% on your energy costs by turning down your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. That way, you’re not throwing away money heating your home while you’re not there.

Authorities say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone a long 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 cause damage to your home while you're gone.

When you return to your home, raise the temperature slowly. That will keep your heating system from working too hard, which could be the case if you raise the temperature on your thermostat really high right away.

Recommended Thermostat Settings While You Are Asleep

The good news about sleep-time thermostat settings in the winter is that people sleep better when it’s a little colder. The National Sleep Foundation suggests 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 several other ways 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 protect against heat loss. This will minimize the stress on your furnace and save energy.

Install a programmable thermostat

Put in a programmable thermostat to regulate the temperature in your home conveniently. Set lower temperatures when you're not home or asleep and increase them only when needed.

For even more savings, set up a smart thermostat that can perceive when you are in or out and modify the temperature appropriately. To learn more about these devices or for smart thermostat installation in Lincoln, contact the skilled technicians at AW Heating & Air Conditioning. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can benefit your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Schedule furnace maintenance:

Plan regular maintenance for your heating system. A well-maintained heating system functions more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and probably avoiding costly repairs. Clean or replace air filters routinely to ensure proper airflow.

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

Seal air leaks

Find and fill in any air leaks in your home. Common sites for leaks including windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps prevents warm air from seeping out, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfortable temperature.

Improve your HVAC system

If your furnace is old, inefficient or just isn’t able to keep your home as warm as you desire, furnace replacement may be an ideal long-term option. Modern day furnaces are very efficient, which can considerably reduce your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re interested in upgrading to a new heating system, phone the specialists at AW Heating & Air Conditioning. We’re noted for experienced furnace installation in Lincoln and will help you select a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 402-438-7992 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!