As winter draws near and the temperature drops, finding ways to save money on your heating bills becomes a top priority. One of the simplest ways is changing your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without compromising comfort.

With multiple options and techniques available, homeowners can reduce 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 many ways to find the appropriate balance between warmth and savings.

As a whole, a good rule of thumb is the lower the temperature inside 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 monthly energy costs.

Ideal Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

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

Effective Temperature Settings While You Are Away

The DOE reports you can save up to 10% on your heating costs by turning down 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 prolonged 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 cause damage to your home while you're gone.

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

Suggested Thermostat Settings While You Are Asleep

The good 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 best temperature range for quality sleep.

Additional Tactics to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

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

Examine 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 HVAC system and save energy.

Buy a programmable thermostat

Put in a programmable thermostat to regulate 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 detect when you are in or out and adjust the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these systems or for smart thermostat installation in Northglenn, contact the skilled technicians at Northglenn Heating & Air Conditioning. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can improve your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Schedule furnace maintenance:

Schedule regular maintenance for your HVAC system. A well-maintained furnace functions more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters on a regular basis to make sure your unit has proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Northglenn, call the team at Northglenn Heating & Air Conditioning. We will get your system in top shape!

Seal air leaks

Locate and seal any air leaks in your home. Typical sites for leaks including windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps stops warm air from leaking out of your home, 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 decision. Contemporary furnaces are highly efficient, which can notably decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re interested in getting a new heating system, call the specialists at Northglenn Heating & Air Conditioning. We’re recognized for skilled furnace installation in Northglenn and will help you choose a unit that’s well suited for your home! Call 303-452-4146 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!