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

With many options and techniques available, you can lower 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 guideline 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.

Money-Saving Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

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

Effective Temperature Settings While You Are Away

The DOE reports you can save approximately 10% on your HVAC costs by decreasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. That way, 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 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 waiting for you when you get home.

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

Cost-Efficient Thermostat Settings While You Are Sleeping

The good news about sleep-time thermostat settings in the winter is that people sleep better when it’s a little colder. The National Sleep Foundation suggests 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 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 cut down on drafts, keep warm air inside and prevent heat loss. This will minimize the stress on your furnace and save energy.

Buy 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 required.

For even more savings, buy a smart thermostat that can perceive when you are in or out and modify the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these products or for smart thermostat installation in Moline, contact the skilled technicians at J.L. Brady Company LLC. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can benefit your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Arrange furnace maintenance:

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

For furnace maintenance in Moline, call the team at J.L. Brady Company LLC. Our trained technicians will get your system in excellent working order!

Seal air leaks

Find and fill in any air leaks in your home. Typical sites for leaks including windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps prevents warm air from leaking out of your home, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfy 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 need, furnace replacement may be an ideal long-term decision. Modern furnaces are very efficient, which can considerably lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re thinking about getting a new heating system, call the professionals at J.L. Brady Company LLC. We’re known for knowledgeable furnace installation in Moline and will help you pick a unit that’s well suited for your home! Call 309-517-7511 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!