As winter gets closer and the temperature dips, finding ways to save money on your power bills becomes a top priority. One of the best strategies is changing your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without sacrificing comfort.

With many options and techniques available, it's possible to decrease your heating costs while still keeping 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 guideline 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 at home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recommends putting 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 Going to Be Out of Your Home

The DOE states you can save up to 10% on your heating costs by decreasing 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.

Authorities say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone a long 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 while you are away.

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

Suggested Thermostat Settings While You Are Sleeping

The nice thing about sleep-time thermostat settings in the winter is that people generally sleep well when it’s a little colder. The National Sleep Foundation says somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the ideal temperature range for good sleep.

More Methods to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are several 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 protect against heat loss. This will minimize the stress on your furnace and save energy.

Set up a programmable thermostat

Purchase a programmable thermostat to manage 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, install a smart thermostat that can perceive when you are in or out and modify the temperature correctly. To learn more about these devices or for smart thermostat installation in Streamwood, contact the skilled technicians at Pure Comfort Heating and Air Conditioning. We can explain how smart thermostats can improve your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Arrange furnace maintenance:

Plan 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 on a regular basis to assure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Streamwood, call the team at Pure Comfort Heating and Air Conditioning. Our trained technicians will get your system in top shape!

Seal air leaks

Find and seal any air leaks in your home. Typical sites for leaks including windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Plugging these gaps prevents warm air from seeping out, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfy temperature.

Improve your HVAC system

If your HVAC equipment is old, inefficient or just isn’t able to keep your home as warm as you want, furnace replacement may be an ideal long-term option. Modern furnaces are extremely efficient, which can dramatically decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re interested in upgrading to a new heating system, call the pros at Pure Comfort Heating and Air Conditioning. We’re recognized for knowledgeable furnace installation in Streamwood and will help you find a unit that’s well suited for your home! Call 630-313-2509 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!