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

With numerous options and techniques available, you can reduce your heating costs while still keeping your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Regardless of whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are many ways to find the ideal balance between warmth and savings.

Overall, 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.

Ideal Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re at home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) advises setting 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 Not at Home

The DOE reports you can save up to 10% on your heating costs by decreasing 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 an extended period of time, you can adjust 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 return to your home, raise the temperature little by little. That will keep your heating system from running too hard, which could be the case if you raise the temperature on your thermostat really high right away.

Recommended Thermostat Settings While You Are Sleeping

The good 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 reports somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the ideal temperature range for quality sleep.

Other Techniques to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are several other approaches you can employ so you consume less energy this winter while you heat your home. They include:

Check your insulation levels

Insulate doors, windows and walls to cut down on drafts, keep warm air inside and avoid heat loss. This will minimize the stress on your furnace and save energy.

Install a programmable thermostat

Purchase a programmable thermostat to control the temperature in your home effectively. Set lower temperatures when you're out of your home or asleep and increase them only when needed.

For even more savings, purchase a smart thermostat that can detect when you are in or out and adjust the temperature appropriately. To learn more about these gadgets or for smart thermostat installation in Wilmington, get a hold of 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: Schedule furnace maintenance:

Plan regular maintenance for your heating and cooling system. A well-maintained system operates more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and probably avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters regularly to ensure proper airflow.

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

Seal air leaks

Locate and seal any air leaks in your home. Common sites for leaks tend to be windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing these gaps prevents warm air from leaking out of your home, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfy temperature.

Improve your HVAC system

If your furnace 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. Contemporary furnaces are highly efficient, which can dramatically reduce your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

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