As winter approaches and the temperature falls, finding ways to save money on your power bills becomes a top priority. One of the simplest techniques is modifying your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without sacrificing comfort.

With numerous options and techniques available, you can 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 appropriate balance between warmth and savings.

Overall, a good rule of thumb 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 heating.

Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

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

Effective Temperature Settings While You Are Away

The DOE reports you can save up to 10% on your HVAC costs by decreasing 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 long period of time, you can put 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, turn up the temperature little by little. 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 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 states somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the best temperature range for great 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:

Evaluate your insulation levels

Insulate doors, windows and walls to cut down on drafts, keep warm air inside and protect against heat loss. This will limit the pressure on your furnace and save energy.

Install a programmable thermostat

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

For even more savings, buy a smart thermostat that can sense when you are in or out and change the temperature appropriately. To learn more about these systems or for smart thermostat installation in Cocoa, consult with the skilled technicians at The Chilly Pig. We can tell you how smart thermostats can improve your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Arrange furnace maintenance:

Plan to hire someone to do regular maintenance for your heating system. A well-maintained system operates more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and probably avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters routinely to make sure your unit has proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Cocoa, call the team at The Chilly Pig. Our specialists will get your system in peak condition!

Seal air leaks

Locate and fill in any air leaks in your home. Typical spots for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps stops warm air from seeping out, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfy temperature.

Upgrade your HVAC system

If your HVAC equipment 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 option. Modern furnaces are highly efficient, which can notably decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re contemplating investing in a new heating system, contact the pros at The Chilly Pig. We’re recognized for knowledgeable furnace installation in Cocoa and will help you choose a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 321-205-1234 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!