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

With many options and techniques available, homeowners 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 several ways to find the perfect balance between warmth and savings.

As a whole, 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 outside temperature, the more money you will save on your monthly energy costs.

Ideal Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re at home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) advises 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 Not at Home

The DOE reports you can save approximately 10% on your home heating costs by decreasing 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.

Authorities say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone a long 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, turn up the temperature gradually. That will keep your heating system from performing too hard, which it could if you raise the temperature on your thermostat very high right away.

Recommended Thermostat Settings While You Are Sleeping

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 says somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the best temperature range for good sleep.

Additional Tactics to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are many other ways 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 counter heat loss. This will decrease the stress on your HVAC system and save energy.

Set up a programmable thermostat

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

For even more savings, purchase a smart thermostat that can detect when you are in or out and change the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these devices or for smart thermostat installation in Mankato area, get a hold of the skilled technicians at Northern Comfort Inc. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can benefit your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Schedule furnace maintenance:

Plan regular maintenance for your HVAC system. A well-maintained heating system operates more efficiently, decreasing energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters regularly to assure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Mankato area, call the team at Northern Comfort Inc. Our trained technicians will get your system in peak condition!

Seal air leaks

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

Improve your HVAC system

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

If you’re thinking about getting a new heating system, contact the pros at Northern Comfort Inc. We’re known for experienced furnace installation in Mankato area and will help you find a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 507-387-6596 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!