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

With several options and techniques available, it's possible to lower your heating costs while still making your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Irrespective 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 inside 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.

Money-Saving Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re at home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recommends dialing your thermostat to between 68°F and 70°F in the winter. That’s warm enough to keep most families comfy, 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 energy costs by turning down your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. That way, you’re not throwing away 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 adjust 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 cause damage to your home while you're gone.

When you return to your home, turn up the temperature bit by bit. 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 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 says somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the ideal temperature range for great sleep.

Additional Ways to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are many other approaches you can employ so you 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 protect against heat loss. This will decrease the stress on your heating equipment and save energy.

Install a programmable thermostat

Purchase a programmable thermostat to regulate the temperature in your home conveniently. Set lower temperatures when you're away or asleep and increase them only when required.

For even more savings, install a smart thermostat that can detect when you are in or out and modify the temperature correctly. To learn more about these products or for smart thermostat installation in Bend, contact the skilled technicians at Tri County Climate Control LLC. We can explain how smart thermostats can improve your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Arrange furnace maintenance:

Plan regular maintenance for your heating system. A well-maintained furnace functions more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or replace air filters routinely to ensure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Bend, call the team at Tri County Climate Control LLC. Our specialists will get your system in top shape!

Seal air leaks

Find and fill in any air leaks in your home. Common places for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing 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 an ideal long-term solution. Modern furnaces are very efficient, which can notably decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re contemplating investing in a new heating system, call the pros at Tri County Climate Control LLC. We’re known for skilled furnace installation in Bend and will help you select a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 541-546-1393 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!