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

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

In general, 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 exterior temperature, the more money you will save on heating.

Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re at home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) advises dialing your thermostat to between 68°F and 70°F in the winter. That’s warm enough to keep lots of families comfortable, but also low enough to be energy efficient.

Effective Temperature Settings While You Not at Home

The DOE states you can save as much as 10% on your energy costs by turning down 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.

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. This will be warm enough it will keep your furnace running so you don’t have any frozen or burst pipes cause damage to your home while you're gone.

When you arrive home, increase the temperature slowly. That will keep your heating system from performing 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 in Bed for The Night

The good 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 best temperature range for good sleep.

Additional Ways to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are many other ways you can use to consume less energy this winter while you heat your home. They include:

Evaluate your insulation levels

Insulate doors, windows and walls to reduce drafts, keep warm air inside and avoid heat loss. This will minimize the workload on your furnace 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 away or asleep and increase them only when necessary.

For even more savings, purchase a smart thermostat that can sense when you are in or out and modify the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these gadgets or for smart thermostat installation in Oxford, get a hold of the skilled technicians at Franklin's Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. We can explain how smart thermostats can help your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Schedule furnace maintenance:

Plan to hire someone to do regular maintenance for your heating and cooling system. A well-maintained heating system functions more efficiently, decreasing energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters regularly to ensure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Oxford, call the team at Franklin's Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. Our specialists will get your system in excellent working order!

Seal air leaks

Detect and close off any air leaks in your home. Typical spots for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Plugging these gaps blocks warm air from seeping out, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfortable 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 a good long-term solution. Modern furnaces are highly efficient, which can notably lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re thinking about investing in a new heating system, call the pros at Franklin's Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. We’re recognized for experienced furnace installation in Oxford and will help you select a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 662-281-1231 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!