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

With several options and techniques available, you can decrease 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 perfect balance between warmth and savings.

Overall, 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 monthly energy costs.

Money-Saving Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re around your home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recommends setting your thermostat to between 68°F and 70°F in the winter. That’s warm enough to keep the majority of families comfortable, but also low enough to be energy efficient.

Effective Temperature Settings While You Are Away

The DOE estimates you can save up to 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.

Authorities say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone an extended 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 get back to your house, turn up the temperature gradually. That will keep your heating system from working too hard, which could be the case if you raise the temperature on your thermostat very high right away.

Cost-Efficient Thermostat Settings While You Are Sleeping

The good 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 Tactics to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

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

Check your insulation levels

Insulate doors, windows and walls to minimize drafts, keep warm air inside and avoid heat loss. This will limit the pressure on your heating equipment and save energy.

Install a programmable thermostat

Install 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 necessary.

For even more savings, set up a smart thermostat that can perceive when you are in or out and modify the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these products or for smart thermostat installation in Wilmington, consult with the skilled technicians at Brandywine Heating & Air. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can help your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Plan furnace maintenance:

Schedule regular maintenance for your HVAC system. A well-maintained system functions more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or replace air filters on a regular basis to assure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Wilmington, call the team at Brandywine Heating & Air. Our trained technicians will get your system in peak condition!

Seal air leaks

Locate and seal any air leaks in your home. Common spots for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing these gaps stops warm air from seeping out, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfy temperature.

Upgrade your HVAC system

If your furnace is old, inefficient or just isn’t able to keep your home as warm as you need, furnace replacement may be a smart long-term solution. Today’s furnaces are extremely efficient, which can dramatically reduce your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re interested in investing in a new heating system, call the pros at Brandywine Heating & Air. We’re known for skilled furnace installation in Wilmington and will help you pick a unit that’s well suited for your home! Call 302-261-3596 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!