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

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

In general, a good guideline 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 heating.

Ideal Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

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

Effective Temperature Settings While You Not at Home

The DOE reports you can save as much as 10% on your HVAC costs by lowering your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. This way, you’re not throwing away money heating your home while you’re not there.

Authorities say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone an extended 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 while you are away.

When you return to your home, raise the temperature gradually. 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.

Suggested Thermostat Settings While You Are in Bed for The Night

The good news about sleep-time thermostat settings in the winter is that people generally sleep well when it’s a little colder. The National Sleep Foundation suggests somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the optimal temperature range for good sleep.

Other Techniques to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

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

Examine your insulation levels

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

Install a programmable thermostat

Put in a programmable thermostat to manage the temperature in your home effortlessly. Set lower temperatures when you're away or asleep and increase them only when needed.

For even more savings, buy a smart thermostat that can sense when you are in or out and change the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these devices or for smart thermostat installation in Chelan and Wenatchee, contact the skilled technicians at Lakeside Heating & Air. We can explain how smart thermostats can help your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Plan furnace maintenance:

Schedule regular maintenance for your HVAC system. A well-maintained furnace runs more efficiently, decreasing energy consumption and probably avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters routinely to assure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Chelan and Wenatchee, call the team at Lakeside Heating & Air. Our specialists will get your system in excellent working order!

Seal air leaks

Find and fill in any air leaks in your home. Frequent places for leaks tend to be windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps prevents warm air from escaping, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfortable temperature.

Update your HVAC system

If your HVAC equipment 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 solution. Modern furnaces are highly efficient, which can dramatically lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re interested in investing in a new heating system, phone the professionals at Lakeside Heating & Air. We’re recognized for experienced furnace installation in Chelan and Wenatchee and will help you choose a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 509-284-4265 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!