As winter draws near and the temperature falls, 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 compromising comfort.

With multiple options and techniques available, you can reduce 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 several ways to find the appropriate balance between warmth and savings.

In general, a good rule 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.

Money-Saving 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 cozy, 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 approximately 10% on your home heating costs by lowering your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. That way, you’re not wasting money heating your home while you’re not there.

Authorities 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. That will keep your furnace running so you don’t have any frozen or burst pipes while you are away.

When you arrive home, increase the temperature slowly. That will keep your heating system from running too hard, which could happen if you raise the temperature on your thermostat very 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 generally sleep well when it’s a little colder. The National Sleep Foundation suggests somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the optimal temperature range for quality sleep.

More Tactics to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are a number of other ways 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 minimize drafts, keep warm air inside and prevent heat loss. This will minimize the pressure on your furnace and save energy.

Install a programmable thermostat

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

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

H3: Arrange furnace maintenance:

Plan regular maintenance for your HVAC system. A well-maintained system functions more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or replace air filters on a regular basis 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 sites for leaks tend to be windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Plugging these gaps prevents warm air from leaking out of your home, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a cozy temperature.

Upgrade 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 a good long-term option. Today’s furnaces are highly efficient, which can significantly lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re thinking about investing in a new heating system, contact 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 well suited for your home! Call 541-238-2797 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!