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

With multiple options and techniques available, you 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 several ways to find the ideal balance between warmth and savings.

Overall, a good rule 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.

Money-Saving Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re going to be home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) suggests setting 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 Going to Be Out of Your Home

The DOE estimates you can save approximately 10% on your energy costs by decreasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By doing this, you’re not wasting money heating your home while you’re not there.

Industry professionals say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone a prolonged period of time, you can set your thermostat as low as 50 degrees. Doing this 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, increase the temperature slowly. That will keep your heating system from running too hard, which could be the case 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 reports somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the best temperature range for good sleep.

Other Ways to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

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

Evaluate your insulation levels

Insulate doors, windows and walls to cut down on drafts, keep warm air inside and counter heat loss. This will minimize the pressure on your furnace and save energy.

Buy a programmable thermostat

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

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 products or for smart thermostat installation in Cape Girardeau, contact the skilled technicians at Prestige Plumbing and Air. We can provide you with information about 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 system runs more efficiently, decreasing energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or replace air filters regularly to make sure your unit has proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Cape Girardeau, call the team at Prestige Plumbing and Air. Our trained technicians will get your system in top shape!

Seal air leaks

Detect and fill in any air leaks in your home. Typical sites for leaks tend to be windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Plugging these gaps stops warm air from escaping, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a sufficient temperature.

Update 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 an ideal long-term option. Modern furnaces are extremely efficient, which can dramatically decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re thinking about getting a new heating system, contact the pros at Prestige Plumbing and Air. We’re noted for knowledgeable furnace installation in Cape Girardeau and will help you pick a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 573-266-2048 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!