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

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

As a whole, a good guideline is the lower the temperature in 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 heating.

Ideal Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

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

Effective Temperature Settings While You Not at Home

The DOE reports 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 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 an extended period of time, you can put 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 return to your home, increase the temperature slowly. 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.

Recommended Thermostat Settings While You Are Asleep

The great news 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 ideal temperature range for great sleep.

Additional 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 minimize the pressure on your furnace and save energy.

Set up a programmable thermostat

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

For even more savings, purchase a smart thermostat that can perceive when you are in or out and adjust the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these products or for smart thermostat installation in Spokane, consult with the skilled technicians at Bigfoot Mechanical. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can improve your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Plan furnace maintenance:

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

For furnace maintenance in Spokane, call the team at Bigfoot Mechanical. Our specialists will get your system in top shape!

Seal air leaks

Locate and seal any air leaks in your home. Common places for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing these gaps stops warm air from leaking out of your home, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a sufficient 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 desire, furnace replacement may be an ideal long-term decision. Modern day furnaces are very efficient, which can notably decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re contemplating getting a new heating system, call the professionals at Bigfoot Mechanical. We’re recognized for knowledgeable furnace installation in Spokane and will help you pick a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 509-392-8770 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!