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

With multiple 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 many ways to find the perfect balance between warmth and savings.

In general, a good rule of thumb is the lower the temperature inside 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 heating.

Best 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 lots of families comfy, but also low enough to be energy efficient.

Effective Temperature Settings While You Are Away

The DOE states you can save as much as 10% on your home heating 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.

Industry professionals 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. This will be warm enough it 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, increase the temperature gradually. That will keep your heating system from performing too hard, which it could if you raise the temperature on your thermostat really high right away.

Suggested Thermostat Settings While You Are Sleeping

The great news about sleep-time thermostat settings in the winter is that people get good sleep when it’s a little colder. The National Sleep Foundation suggests somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the ideal temperature range for quality sleep.

Other Methods to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are a number of other approaches 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 limit the workload on your HVAC system and save energy.

Install a programmable thermostat

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

For even more savings, buy a smart thermostat that can detect when you are in or out and modify the temperature correctly. To learn more about these devices or for smart thermostat installation in Phoenix, consult with the skilled technicians at Integrity AC & Heating LLC. We can explain how smart thermostats can improve your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Arrange furnace maintenance:

Plan to hire someone to do regular maintenance for your heating system. A well-maintained furnace runs more efficiently, decreasing energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters on a regular basis to make sure your unit has proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Phoenix, call the team at Integrity AC & Heating LLC. Our specialists will get your system in top shape!

Seal air leaks

Find and close off any air leaks in your home. Frequent sites for leaks including windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Plugging these gaps blocks warm air from seeping out, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a cozy temperature.

Improve your HVAC system

If your furnace is old, inefficient or just isn’t able to keep your home as warm as you desire, furnace replacement may be a good long-term solution. Modern day furnaces are highly efficient, which can notably reduce your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re interested in getting a new heating system, phone the pros at Integrity AC & Heating LLC. We’re known for skilled furnace installation in Phoenix and will help you select a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 602-971-0567 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!