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

With several options and techniques available, it's possible to 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 many ways to find the appropriate balance between warmth and savings.

As a whole, a good guideline 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 around your home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) advises 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 HVAC costs by turning down your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. That way, you’re not needlessly spending money heating your home while you’re not there.

Authorities 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. 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 get back to your house, turn up the temperature slowly. That will keep your heating system from performing too hard, which could happen if you raise the temperature on your thermostat very high right away.

Cost-Efficient Thermostat Settings While You Are Sleeping

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 suggests somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the ideal temperature range for good sleep.

Additional Ways to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are a number of other ways you can utilize to 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 counter heat loss. This will minimize the workload on your HVAC system and save energy.

Set up 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 necessary.

For even more savings, buy a smart thermostat that can detect when you are in or out and change the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these products or for smart thermostat installation in Croydon, consult with the skilled technicians at Indoor Comfort Systems HVAC. 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, decreasing energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters regularly to make sure your unit has proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Croydon, call the team at Indoor Comfort Systems HVAC. Our specialists will get your system in peak condition!

Seal air leaks

Detect and close off any air leaks in your home. Typical places for leaks tend to be windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing these gaps prevents warm air from seeping out, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a cozy temperature.

Update your HVAC system

If your heating system 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. Contemporary furnaces are highly efficient, which can considerably lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re thinking about getting a new heating system, phone the pros at Indoor Comfort Systems HVAC. We’re noted for experienced furnace installation in Croydon and will help you select a unit that’s well suited for your home! Call 215-741-5505 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!