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

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

In general, 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 outside temperature, the more money you will save on heating.

Money-Saving Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re going to be 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 cozy, but also low enough to be energy efficient.

Effective Temperature Settings While You Not at Home

The DOE reports you can save approximately 10% on your HVAC costs by decreasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. That 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 a prolonged 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 return to your home, increase the temperature bit by bit. That will keep your heating system from performing too hard, which could be the case if you raise the temperature on your thermostat quite high right away.

Recommended Thermostat Settings While You Are Sleeping

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

Additional Ways to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are a number of other techniques you can use 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 avoid heat loss. This will minimize the stress on your HVAC system and save energy.

Install a programmable thermostat

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

For even more savings, set up a smart thermostat that can sense when you are in or out and change the temperature correctly. To learn more about these products or for smart thermostat installation in Wilmington, contact the skilled technicians at Ambience HVAC, Inc.. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can help 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, reducing energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters regularly to assure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Wilmington, call the team at Ambience HVAC, Inc.. We will get your system in top shape!

Seal air leaks

Locate and fill in any air leaks in your home. Frequent places for leaks including windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Plugging these gaps blocks warm air from leaking out of your home, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfy temperature.

Upgrade your HVAC system

If your furnace is old, inefficient or just isn’t able to keep your home as warm as you want, furnace replacement may be a good long-term decision. Contemporary furnaces are extremely efficient, which can dramatically lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re interested in getting a new heating system, phone the professionals at Ambience HVAC, Inc.. We’re recognized for knowledgeable furnace installation in Wilmington and will help you pick a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 302-239-HVAC (4822) today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!