As winter approaches and the temperature falls, finding ways to save money on your heating bills becomes a top priority. One of the most effective techniques is changing your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without compromising comfort.

With several options and techniques available, you can decrease 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 inside your home and the less difference there is between the air inside your home and the exterior temperature, the more money you will save on heating.

Ideal 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 comfortable, but also low enough to be energy efficient.

Effective Temperature Settings While You Are Away

The DOE states you can save up to 10% on your energy costs by decreasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. That way, 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 an extended period of time, you can adjust 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 arrive home, turn up the temperature slowly. That will keep your heating system from working too hard, which it could if you raise the temperature on your thermostat very high right away.

Suggested Thermostat Settings While You Are in Bed for The Night

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

Other Ways to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are several other techniques 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 reduce drafts, keep warm air inside and counter heat loss. This will decrease the workload on your furnace and save energy.

Install a programmable thermostat

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

For even more savings, purchase a smart thermostat that can sense when you are in or out and modify the temperature appropriately. To learn more about these gadgets or for smart thermostat installation in Norco and St. Charles Parish, contact the skilled technicians at Mayeuxs AC & Heating. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can improve your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Plan furnace maintenance:

Plan regular maintenance for your heating and cooling system. A well-maintained heating system functions more efficiently, decreasing energy consumption and probably avoiding costly repairs. Clean or replace air filters regularly to make sure your unit has proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Norco and St. Charles Parish, call the team at Mayeuxs AC & Heating. Our trained technicians will get your system in peak condition!

Seal air leaks

Detect and seal any air leaks in your home. Common spots for leaks tend to be windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps prevents warm air from leaking out of your home, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfortable 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 desire, furnace replacement may be an ideal long-term solution. Modern day furnaces are very efficient, which can considerably lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re interested in upgrading to a new heating system, phone the professionals at Mayeuxs AC & Heating. We’re noted for knowledgeable furnace installation in Norco and St. Charles Parish and will help you choose a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call (985) 764-2426 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!