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

With multiple options and techniques available, it's possible to lower 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 many ways to find the ideal 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 monthly energy costs.

Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re going to be home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) suggests putting 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 Going to Be Out of Your Home

The DOE estimates you can save approximately 10% on your energy costs by lowering your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By using this method, you’re not needlessly spending 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 adjust your thermostat as low as 50 degrees. That 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, raise the temperature gradually. That will keep your heating system from running too hard, which could be the case if you raise the temperature on your thermostat very high right away.

Suggested Thermostat Settings While You Are Asleep

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

Additional Methods to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are a number of other techniques you can utilize to consume less energy this winter while you heat your home. They include:

Evaluate your insulation levels

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

Buy a programmable thermostat

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

For even more savings, purchase a smart thermostat that can sense when you are in or out and adjust the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these systems or for smart thermostat installation in Phoenix, contact the skilled technicians at Dial One Mears Air Conditioning & Heating Inc. We can provide you with information about 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 heating system. A well-maintained furnace runs more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters regularly to make sure your unit has proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Phoenix, call the team at Dial One Mears Air Conditioning & Heating Inc. Our specialists will get your system in excellent working order!

Seal air leaks

Locate and close off any air leaks in your home. Frequent 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 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 need, furnace replacement may be a smart long-term solution. Contemporary furnaces are extremely efficient, which can notably reduce your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re considering upgrading to a new heating system, call the pros at Dial One Mears Air Conditioning & Heating Inc. We’re noted for skilled furnace installation in Phoenix and will help you pick a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 602-789-3315 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!