As winter draws near and the temperature dips, finding ways to save money on your energy bills becomes a top priority. One of the best techniques is adjusting 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 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 perfect balance between warmth and savings.

As a whole, 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 outside 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) recommends putting your thermostat to between 68°F and 70°F in the winter. That’s warm enough to keep most families comfy, but also low enough to be energy efficient.

Effective Temperature Settings While You Not at Home

The DOE states you can save as much as 10% on your heating costs by decreasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By doing this, you’re not throwing away money heating your home while you’re not there.

Experts 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. That 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, increase the temperature slowly. That will keep your heating system from performing too hard, which could happen if you raise the temperature on your thermostat quite high right away.

Recommended Thermostat Settings While You Are Asleep

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

Additional Techniques 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 cut down on drafts, keep warm air inside and avoid heat loss. This will decrease the stress on your furnace and save energy.

Install a programmable thermostat

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

For even more savings, set up a smart thermostat that can sense when you are in or out and modify the temperature correctly. To learn more about these products or for smart thermostat installation in Moline, contact the skilled technicians at Freed Heating & Air Conditioning. We can tell you how smart thermostats can help your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Schedule furnace maintenance:

Plan regular maintenance for your HVAC system. A well-maintained system runs more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters on a regular basis to assure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Moline, call the team at Freed Heating & Air Conditioning. Our specialists will get your system in excellent working order!

Seal air leaks

Locate and fill in any air leaks in your home. Frequent places for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing these gaps prevents warm air from leaking out of your home, 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. Today’s furnaces are extremely efficient, which can considerably lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re contemplating upgrading to a new heating system, phone the pros at Freed Heating & Air Conditioning. We’re noted for knowledgeable furnace installation in Moline and will help you pick a unit that’s well suited for your home! Call 309-323-9584 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!