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

With several options and techniques available, homeowners can reduce 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 appropriate balance between warmth and savings.

As a whole, 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 outdoor temperature, the more money you will save on your HVAC bills.

Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re going to be home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) advises setting 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 Are Away

The DOE estimates you can save approximately 10% on your energy costs by decreasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. That way, you’re not wasting 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 adjust your thermostat as low as 50 degrees. That 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 get back to your house, raise the temperature gradually. That will keep your heating system from working too hard, which could be the case if you raise the temperature on your thermostat quite high right away.

Suggested Thermostat Settings While You Are Sleeping

The great 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 best temperature range for great sleep.

Additional Ways to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are several other approaches 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 counter heat loss. This will minimize the pressure on your heating equipment and save energy.

Set up a programmable thermostat

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

For even more savings, buy 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 Frederick, contact the skilled technicians at America's Green Heating & Air Conditioning. We can tell you how smart thermostats can help your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Plan furnace maintenance:

Plan regular maintenance for your HVAC system. A well-maintained furnace runs more efficiently, decreasing energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters regularly to assure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Frederick, call the team at America's Green Heating & Air Conditioning. Our specialists will get your system in top shape!

Seal air leaks

Detect and fill in any air leaks in your home. Typical places for leaks tend to be windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing these gaps blocks warm air from leaking out of your home, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a sufficient temperature.

Upgrade your HVAC system

If your furnace 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. Today’s furnaces are very efficient, which can dramatically reduce your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re contemplating investing in a new heating system, phone the professionals at America's Green Heating & Air Conditioning. We’re known for knowledgeable furnace installation in Frederick and will help you select a unit that’s well suited for your home! Call 301-208-0800 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!