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

With numerous options and techniques available, you can reduce your heating costs while still trying to keep 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 ideal balance between warmth and savings.

As a whole, a good guideline 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 your monthly energy costs.

Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re at home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) advises dialing 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 states you can save approximately 10% on your home heating costs by lowering your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. This way, you’re not throwing away money heating your home while you’re not there.

Industry professionals say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone an extended period of time, you can put 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 while you are away.

When you return to your home, raise the temperature little by little. That will keep your heating system from performing too hard, which could be the case if you raise the temperature on your thermostat very high right away.

Suggested Thermostat Settings While You Are Asleep

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 suggests somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the optimal temperature range for great sleep.

Additional Techniques to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are a number of other techniques you can employ so you 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 protect against heat loss. This will decrease the pressure on your heating equipment and save energy.

Buy a programmable thermostat

Install a programmable thermostat to control 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, install a smart thermostat that can perceive when you are in or out and change the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these products or for smart thermostat installation in Albuquerque, consult with the skilled technicians at I-Deal HVAC. We can tell you how smart thermostats can help your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Plan furnace maintenance:

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

For furnace maintenance in Albuquerque, call the team at I-Deal HVAC. Our specialists will get your system in peak condition!

Seal air leaks

Find and fill in any air leaks in your home. Frequent sites for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps blocks warm air from escaping, 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 need, furnace replacement may be a good long-term solution. Modern day furnaces are highly efficient, which can considerably reduce your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re thinking about investing in a new heating system, call the pros at I-Deal HVAC. We’re recognized for knowledgeable furnace installation in Albuquerque and will help you pick a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 505-317-9598 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!