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

With multiple options and techniques available, homeowners can decrease your heating costs while still making your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are plenty of ways to find the ideal balance between warmth and savings.

As a whole, a good rule is the lower the temperature within your home and the less difference there is between the air inside your home and the exterior temperature, the more money you will save on your monthly energy costs.

Best 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 comfy, but also low enough to be energy efficient.

Effective Temperature Settings While You Not at 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. By using this method, you’re not throwing away money heating your home while you’re not there.

Industry professionals 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 get back to your house, raise the temperature gradually. That will keep your heating system from working too hard, which could happen if you raise the temperature on your thermostat really high right away.

Recommended Thermostat Settings While You Are in Bed for The Night

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 states somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the ideal temperature range for great sleep.

Additional Methods 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:

Check your insulation levels

Insulate doors, windows and walls to cut down on drafts, keep warm air inside and counter heat loss. This will minimize the workload on your HVAC system and save energy.

Buy a programmable thermostat

Purchase 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 needed.

For even more savings, set up a smart thermostat that can detect when you are in or out and change the temperature appropriately. To learn more about these gadgets or for smart thermostat installation in Clearwater, contact the skilled technicians at Reliant Heating and Air Conditioning. We can explain how smart thermostats can benefit your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Schedule furnace maintenance:

Plan to hire someone to do regular maintenance for your HVAC system. A well-maintained system runs more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or replace air filters regularly to make sure your unit has proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Clearwater, call the team at Reliant Heating and Air Conditioning. We will get your system in peak condition!

Seal air leaks

Detect and seal any air leaks in your home. Typical spots for leaks tend to be windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps prevents warm air from escaping, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a cozy temperature.

Update your HVAC system

If your HVAC equipment is old, inefficient or just isn’t able to keep your home as warm as you desire, furnace replacement may be a smart long-term option. Contemporary furnaces are very efficient, which can significantly reduce your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re thinking about upgrading to a new heating system, contact the professionals at Reliant Heating and Air Conditioning. We’re known for knowledgeable furnace installation in Clearwater and will help you pick a unit that’s well suited for your home! Call 727-219-2325 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!