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

With many options and techniques available, homeowners can decrease your heating costs while still trying to keep your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are many 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 heating.

Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re around your 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 the majority of families cozy, but also low enough to be energy efficient.

Effective Temperature Settings While You Not at Home

The DOE estimates you can save approximately 10% on your home heating costs by decreasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. This 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 a prolonged period of time, you can put 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 return to your home, increase the temperature little by little. That will keep your heating system from performing too hard, which it could if you raise the temperature on your thermostat really high right away.

Cost-Efficient Thermostat Settings While You Are Asleep

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 ideal temperature range for great sleep.

Additional Tactics to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

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

Examine your insulation levels

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

Install a programmable thermostat

Install 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 required.

For even more savings, buy a smart thermostat that can detect when you are in or out and change the temperature appropriately. To learn more about these systems or for smart thermostat installation in Saint Louis, contact the skilled technicians at Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating. We can explain how smart thermostats can improve your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Plan furnace maintenance:

Plan to hire someone to do regular maintenance for your heating and cooling system. A well-maintained system runs more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and probably avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters routinely to assure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Saint Louis, call the team at Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating. Our trained technicians will get your system in excellent working order!

Seal air leaks

Detect and close off any air leaks in your home. Typical places for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps stops 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 desire, furnace replacement may be a good long-term solution. Modern furnaces are extremely efficient, which can dramatically lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re considering investing in a new heating system, contact the specialists at Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating. We’re noted for knowledgeable furnace installation in Saint Louis and will help you find a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 314-262-4541 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!