As winter draws near and the temperature dips, 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 losing comfort.

With several options and techniques available, you can decrease your heating costs while still making your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Regardless of whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are several ways to find the perfect balance between warmth and savings.

As a whole, 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 outside temperature, the more money you will save on your monthly energy costs.

Money-Saving Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

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

Effective Temperature Settings While You Going to Be Out of Your Home

The DOE reports you can save approximately 10% on your heating costs by decreasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. This way, you’re not needlessly spending 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 set your thermostat as low as 50 degrees. That 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 arrive home, turn up 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.

Recommended Thermostat Settings While You Are in Bed for The Night

The nice thing about sleep-time thermostat settings in the winter is that people sleep better when it’s a little colder. The National Sleep Foundation reports somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the best temperature range for great sleep.

More Tactics to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are a number of other ways you can employ so you consume less energy this winter while you heat your home. They include:

Check your insulation levels

Insulate doors, windows and walls to minimize drafts, keep warm air inside and avoid heat loss. This will minimize the pressure on your furnace and save energy.

Install a programmable thermostat

Purchase a programmable thermostat to manage the temperature in your home effectively. Set lower temperatures when you're not home or asleep and increase them only when required.

For even more savings, set up a smart thermostat that can sense when you are in or out and adjust the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these gadgets or for smart thermostat installation in Frederick, consult with the skilled technicians at May's Heating & Air. We can explain how smart thermostats can improve your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Plan furnace maintenance:

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

For furnace maintenance in Frederick, call the team at May's Heating & Air. Our specialists will get your system in top shape!

Seal air leaks

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

Improve 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 good long-term decision. Modern day furnaces are highly efficient, which can considerably decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re contemplating investing in a new heating system, phone the pros at May's Heating & Air. We’re known for experienced furnace installation in Frederick and will help you find a unit that’s well suited for your home! Call 301-690-0397 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!