As winter draws near and the temperature dips, finding ways to save money on your energy bills becomes a top priority. One of the most effective tips is changing your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without compromising 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. 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 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 your HVAC bills.

Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re at home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) suggests dialing your thermostat to between 68°F and 70°F in the winter. That’s warm enough to keep lots of families comfortable, 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 as much as 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.

Experts 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. 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 get back to your house, raise 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 really high right away.

Cost-Efficient Thermostat Settings While You Are in Bed for The Night

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 states somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the optimal temperature range for good sleep.

Other Tactics to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are many other ways 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 decrease the pressure on your furnace and save energy.

Install a programmable thermostat

Put in a programmable thermostat to control the temperature in your home conveniently. Set lower temperatures when you're not home 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 adjust the temperature appropriately. To learn more about these gadgets or for smart thermostat installation in Manassas, contact the skilled technicians at Woody's Sudden Service. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can benefit your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Schedule furnace maintenance:

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

For furnace maintenance in Manassas, call the team at Woody's Sudden Service. We will get your system in excellent working order!

Seal air leaks

Find and close off any air leaks in your home. Frequent spots for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing these gaps blocks 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 want, furnace replacement may be a good long-term decision. Contemporary furnaces are extremely efficient, which can notably reduce your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re thinking about investing in a new heating system, call the professionals at Woody's Sudden Service. We’re noted for skilled furnace installation in Manassas and will help you select a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 703-278-2036 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!