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

With numerous options and techniques available, it's possible to reduce your heating costs while still making your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are many ways to find the perfect balance between warmth and savings.

Overall, a good rule of thumb 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 monthly energy costs.

Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re at home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) suggests putting 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 Going to Be Out of Your Home

The DOE states you can save up to 10% on your heating costs by turning down your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By doing this, you’re not needlessly spending money heating your home while you’re not there.

Experts say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone a prolonged 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 waiting for you when you get home.

When you return to your home, turn up the temperature gradually. That will keep your heating system from performing too hard, which it could if you raise the temperature on your thermostat quite high right away.

Suggested Thermostat Settings While You Are Asleep

The great news about sleep-time thermostat settings in the winter is that people get good sleep when it’s a little colder. The National Sleep Foundation says somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the optimal temperature range for good sleep.

Other Methods to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are many other ways 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 cut down on drafts, keep warm air inside and counter heat loss. This will limit the pressure on your HVAC system and save energy.

Set up a programmable thermostat

Purchase a programmable thermostat to manage the temperature in your home conveniently. Set lower temperatures when you're away 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 modify the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these products or for smart thermostat installation in Manassas, contact the skilled technicians at Fire & Ice HVAC. We can tell you how smart thermostats can improve your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Arrange furnace maintenance:

Schedule regular maintenance for your heating system. A well-maintained system runs more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters routinely to ensure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Manassas, call the team at Fire & Ice HVAC. We will get your system in top shape!

Seal air leaks

Detect and seal 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 seeping out, 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 need, furnace replacement may be an ideal long-term solution. Modern day furnaces are highly efficient, which can considerably reduce your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re considering upgrading to a new heating system, contact the specialists at Fire & Ice HVAC. We’re noted for skilled furnace installation in Manassas and will help you choose a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 703-595-4157 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!