As winter approaches and the temperature dips, finding ways to save money on your power bills becomes a top priority. One of the simplest techniques is modifying your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without losing comfort.

With many options and techniques available, homeowners can reduce your heating costs while still making 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 perfect balance between warmth and savings.

In general, a good guideline is the lower the temperature within 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 HVAC bills.

Ideal Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re around your home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recommends dialing your thermostat to between 68°F and 70°F in the winter. That’s warm enough to keep lots of families cozy, but also low enough to be energy efficient.

Effective Temperature Settings While You Going to Be Out of Your Home

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

Authorities 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. 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, turn up the temperature little by little. That will keep your heating system from working too hard, which could be the case if you raise the temperature on your thermostat quite high right away.

Suggested Thermostat Settings While You Are Sleeping

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

More Ways to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are several other ways you can utilize 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 counter heat loss. This will decrease the workload on your heating equipment and save energy.

Set up a programmable thermostat

Install a programmable thermostat to regulate the temperature in your home efficiently. Set lower temperatures when you're away 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 appropriately. To learn more about these devices or for smart thermostat installation in Richmond, get a hold of the skilled technicians at Refrigeration Systems Ltd.. We can explain how smart thermostats can help your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Arrange furnace maintenance:

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

For furnace maintenance in Richmond, call the team at Refrigeration Systems Ltd.. We will get your system in top shape!

Seal air leaks

Locate and close off any air leaks in your home. Common places for leaks including windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps prevents warm air from leaking out of your home, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a cozy 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 want, furnace replacement may be a good long-term decision. Contemporary furnaces are highly efficient, which can dramatically lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re thinking about investing in a new heating system, phone the professionals at Refrigeration Systems Ltd.. We’re noted for knowledgeable furnace installation in Richmond and will help you find a unit that’s well suited for your home! Call 778-693-2532 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!