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

With multiple options and techniques available, it's possible to reduce your heating costs while still making 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 ideal balance between warmth and savings.

Overall, a good rule 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 your HVAC bills.

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 most families comfortable, but also low enough to be energy efficient.

Effective Temperature Settings While You Are Away

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

Industry professionals say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone a long period of time, you can adjust your thermostat as low as 50 degrees. Doing this 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 return to your home, raise the temperature gradually. That will keep your heating system from working too hard, which could be the case if you raise the temperature on your thermostat really high right away.

Recommended Thermostat Settings While You Are Asleep

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 Methods 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:

Examine your insulation levels

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

Install a programmable thermostat

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

For even more savings, purchase a smart thermostat that can perceive when you are in or out and modify the temperature correctly. To learn more about these gadgets or for smart thermostat installation in West Columbia, get a hold of the skilled technicians at Tri City Fuel & Heating. We can tell you how smart thermostats can benefit your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Plan furnace maintenance:

Plan regular maintenance for your heating system. A well-maintained heating system operates more efficiently, reducing 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 West Columbia, call the team at Tri City Fuel & Heating. Our specialists will get your system in peak condition!

Seal air leaks

Find and seal any air leaks in your home. Common spots for leaks including 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.

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 good long-term solution. Contemporary furnaces are very efficient, which can dramatically lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re considering upgrading to a new heating system, contact the pros at Tri City Fuel & Heating. We’re recognized for experienced furnace installation in West Columbia and will help you choose a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 803-265-4208 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!