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 techniques is changing your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without sacrificing comfort.

With numerous options and techniques available, you can decrease your heating costs while still keeping your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are plenty of ways to find the appropriate balance between warmth and savings.

Overall, 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 exterior temperature, the more money you will save on your monthly energy costs.

Best 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 most families comfortable, but also low enough to be energy efficient.

Effective Temperature Settings While You Are Away

The DOE states you can save up to 10% on your HVAC costs by turning down your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By using this method, you’re not wasting money heating your home while you’re not there.

Experts say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone a prolonged period of time, you can adjust your thermostat as low as 50 degrees. Doing this 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 gradually. That will keep your heating system from working too hard, which could happen if you raise the temperature on your thermostat very high right away.

Suggested Thermostat Settings While You Are Sleeping

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.

Additional Tactics to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are many other ways 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 minimize drafts, keep warm air inside and prevent heat loss. This will limit the workload on your HVAC system and save energy.

Set up a programmable thermostat

Install a programmable thermostat to control the temperature in your home conveniently. Set lower temperatures when you're away 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 adjust the temperature correctly. 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 tell you how smart thermostats can help 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 system runs more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and probably avoiding costly repairs. Clean or replace air filters regularly to make sure your unit has proper airflow.

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

Seal air leaks

Detect and fill in any air leaks in your home. Common spots for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps blocks warm air from escaping, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfy temperature.

Upgrade your HVAC system

If your furnace 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. Modern day furnaces are extremely efficient, which can notably lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

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