As winter draws near and the temperature drops, finding ways to save money on your power bills becomes a top priority. One of the most effective techniques is changing your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without losing comfort.

With multiple options and techniques available, it's possible to lower 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 ideal balance between warmth and savings.

In general, a good rule of thumb 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 HVAC bills.

Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re around your home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) advises dialing your thermostat to between 68°F and 70°F in the winter. That’s warm enough to keep the majority 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 states you can save up to 10% on your heating costs by lowering your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. This way, you’re not needlessly spending 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 put 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 bit by bit. 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.

Suggested Thermostat Settings While You Are in Bed for The Night

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

Other Techniques 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:

Evaluate your insulation levels

Insulate doors, windows and walls to cut down on drafts, keep warm air inside and prevent heat loss. This will limit the workload on your HVAC system and save energy.

Buy 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 required.

For even more savings, set up a smart thermostat that can detect when you are in or out and adjust the temperature correctly. To learn more about these products or for smart thermostat installation in Buellton, consult with the skilled technicians at Allstar Heating & Air Conditioning. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can improve your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Arrange furnace maintenance:

Schedule regular maintenance for your heating system. A well-maintained furnace functions more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters routinely to make sure your unit has proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Buellton, call the team at Allstar Heating & Air Conditioning. Our trained technicians will get your system in top shape!

Seal air leaks

Find and close off any air leaks in your home. Frequent sites for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps blocks warm air from leaking out of your home, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfy temperature.

Update your HVAC system

If your furnace is old, inefficient or just isn’t able to keep your home as warm as you want, furnace replacement may be an ideal long-term solution. Today’s furnaces are very efficient, which can considerably decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re considering investing in a new heating system, call the pros at Allstar Heating & Air Conditioning. We’re known for knowledgeable furnace installation in Buellton and will help you choose a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 805-242-9638 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!