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

With numerous options and techniques available, it's possible to decrease 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 plenty of ways to find the perfect balance between warmth and savings.

In general, a good rule of thumb 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.

Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re at home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recommends putting your thermostat to between 68°F and 70°F in the winter. That’s warm enough to keep the majority of families cozy, but also low enough to be energy efficient.

Effective Temperature Settings While You Are Away

The DOE reports you can save approximately 10% on your heating costs by decreasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. That way, 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 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 while you are away.

When you get back to your house, raise the temperature gradually. That will keep your heating system from working too hard, which could be the case 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 great news about sleep-time thermostat settings in the winter is that people sleep better when it’s a little colder. The National Sleep Foundation says somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the ideal temperature range for quality sleep.

Other Ways to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are many other approaches you can use to consume less energy this winter while you heat your home. They include:

Evaluate your insulation levels

Insulate doors, windows and walls to cut down on drafts, keep warm air inside and counter heat loss. This will minimize the workload on your heating equipment and save energy.

Set up a programmable thermostat

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

For even more savings, install a smart thermostat that can sense when you are in or out and modify the temperature correctly. To learn more about these systems or for smart thermostat installation in Yukon, get a hold of the skilled technicians at Comfort Concepts Heating & Air Conditioning. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can benefit your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Arrange furnace maintenance:

Plan to hire someone to do regular maintenance for your HVAC system. A well-maintained system runs more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters regularly to ensure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Yukon, call the team at Comfort Concepts Heating & Air Conditioning. We will get your system in top shape!

Seal air leaks

Find and close off any air leaks in your home. Common places for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Plugging these gaps stops warm air from escaping, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfy 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 want, furnace replacement may be a smart long-term option. Today’s furnaces are extremely efficient, which can notably reduce your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re contemplating investing in a new heating system, contact the pros at Comfort Concepts Heating & Air Conditioning. We’re noted for knowledgeable furnace installation in Yukon and will help you choose a unit that’s well suited for your home! Call 405-494-7444 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!