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

With many options and techniques available, you can lower 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 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 heating.

Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re around your 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 Not at Home

The DOE states you can save up to 10% on your heating costs by lowering your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. That 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 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 arrive home, turn up the temperature slowly. That will keep your heating system from running too hard, which could happen if you raise the temperature on your thermostat very high right away.

Cost-Efficient 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 best temperature range for good sleep.

More Tactics to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are many other ways you can utilize to consume less energy this winter while you heat your home. They include:

Check your insulation levels

Insulate doors, windows and walls to minimize drafts, keep warm air inside and prevent heat loss. This will minimize the stress on your heating equipment and save energy.

Install a programmable thermostat

Install a programmable thermostat to regulate the temperature in your home effectively. Set lower temperatures when you're out of your home 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 gadgets or for smart thermostat installation in Lodi, contact the skilled technicians at Tokay. We can explain how smart thermostats can benefit your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Plan furnace maintenance:

Plan to hire someone to do regular maintenance for your HVAC system. A well-maintained heating system operates more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and probably avoiding costly repairs. Clean or replace air filters routinely to assure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Lodi, call the team at Tokay. We will get your system in top shape!

Seal air leaks

Locate and fill in any air leaks in your home. Frequent spots for leaks tend to be windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Plugging these gaps blocks warm air from seeping out, 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 desire, furnace replacement may be an ideal long-term decision. Contemporary furnaces are highly efficient, which can considerably lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re considering getting a new heating system, phone the professionals at Tokay. We’re known for knowledgeable furnace installation in Lodi and will help you select a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 209-257-3156 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!