As winter gets closer and the temperature drops, finding ways to save money on your heating bills becomes a top priority. One of the most effective ways is modifying your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without compromising comfort.

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

As a whole, a good guideline 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 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 most 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 as much as 10% on your home heating costs by turning down your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By doing this, you’re not throwing away 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 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 get back to your house, raise the temperature little by little. That will keep your heating system from running too hard, which it could if you raise the temperature on your thermostat very 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 generally sleep well when it’s a little colder. The National Sleep Foundation suggests somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the optimal temperature range for great sleep.

More Methods to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

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

Check your insulation levels

Insulate doors, windows and walls to reduce drafts, keep warm air inside and prevent heat loss. This will limit the workload on your HVAC system and save energy.

Set up a programmable thermostat

Purchase a programmable thermostat to manage the temperature in your home effortlessly. Set lower temperatures when you're out of your home or asleep and increase them only when needed.

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

H3: Plan furnace maintenance:

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

For furnace maintenance in Odessa, call the team at Redhawk Heating & Air Conditioning. Our specialists will get your system in peak condition!

Seal air leaks

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

Update your HVAC system

If your heating system 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 lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re interested in getting a new heating system, contact the pros at Redhawk Heating & Air Conditioning. We’re known for skilled furnace installation in Odessa and will help you find a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 432-237-0168 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!