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

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

In general, a good rule of thumb is the lower the temperature within your home and the less difference there is between the air inside your home and the outside temperature, the more money you will save on your HVAC bills.

Ideal 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 lots of families comfortable, but also low enough to be energy efficient.

Effective Temperature Settings While You Going to Be Out of Your Home

The DOE estimates you can save as much as 10% on your home heating costs by lowering your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. This 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 an extended period of time, you can set 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 while you are away.

When you arrive home, raise the temperature slowly. That will keep your heating system from performing too hard, which it could if you raise the temperature on your thermostat really high right away.

Suggested Thermostat Settings While You Are Asleep

The great 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 optimal temperature range for great sleep.

More Techniques to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are several other approaches you can employ so you consume less energy this winter while you heat your home. They include:

Check your insulation levels

Insulate doors, windows and walls to minimize 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 not home or asleep and increase them only when required.

For even more savings, set up a smart thermostat that can perceive when you are in or out and modify the temperature correctly. To learn more about these products or for smart thermostat installation in Corpus Christi, contact the skilled technicians at Total Assurance AC & Heating. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can help your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Arrange furnace maintenance:

Plan to hire someone to do regular maintenance for your heating system. A well-maintained system operates more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or replace air filters routinely to make sure your unit has proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Corpus Christi, call the team at Total Assurance AC & Heating. Our specialists will get your system in top shape!

Seal air leaks

Find and fill in any air leaks in your home. Frequent places for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps blocks warm air from seeping out, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a cozy 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 want, furnace replacement may be a smart long-term option. Contemporary furnaces are highly efficient, which can considerably lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re considering getting a new heating system, contact the specialists at Total Assurance AC & Heating. We’re recognized for experienced furnace installation in Corpus Christi and will help you find a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 361-446-6925 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!