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

With multiple options and techniques available, you can lower your heating costs while still trying to keep your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Regardless of whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are plenty of ways to find the perfect 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 your HVAC bills.

Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re going to be home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) advises setting 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 Not at Home

The DOE states you can save as much as 10% on your home heating costs by turning down your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By using this method, you’re not needlessly spending money heating your home while you’re not there.

Authorities say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone a long period of time, you can put your thermostat as low as 50 degrees. Doing this will keep your furnace running so you don’t have any frozen or burst pipes waiting for you when you get home.

When you get back to your house, raise the temperature little by little. That will keep your heating system from performing too hard, which it could if you raise the temperature on your thermostat really high right away.

Cost-Efficient Thermostat Settings While You Are Asleep

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 suggests somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the optimal temperature range for great sleep.

Other Techniques to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

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

Evaluate your insulation levels

Insulate doors, windows and walls to reduce drafts, keep warm air inside and avoid heat loss. This will decrease the pressure on your HVAC system and save energy.

Set up a programmable thermostat

Put in a programmable thermostat to control the temperature in your home efficiently. Set lower temperatures when you're not home or asleep and increase them only when needed.

For even more savings, set up a smart thermostat that can sense when you are in or out and modify the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these devices or for smart thermostat installation in Ballwin and St. Charles, contact the skilled technicians at Air Alliance Team. We can tell you how smart thermostats can help your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Schedule furnace maintenance:

Schedule regular maintenance for your HVAC system. A well-maintained system operates more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and probably avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters regularly to ensure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Ballwin and St. Charles, call the team at Air Alliance Team. We will get your system in top shape!

Seal air leaks

Find and seal any air leaks in your home. Frequent sites for leaks including windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing these gaps stops warm air from seeping out, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfortable 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 a good long-term option. Modern furnaces are very efficient, which can considerably reduce your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re interested in getting a new heating system, call the pros at Air Alliance Team. We’re known for knowledgeable furnace installation in Ballwin and St. Charles and will help you find a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 636-206-4584 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!