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

With many 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 many ways to find the appropriate balance between warmth and savings.

In general, a good rule is the lower the temperature within 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 monthly energy costs.

Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re around your 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 the majority of families cozy, but also low enough to be energy efficient.

Effective Temperature Settings While You Are Away

The DOE states you can save up to 10% on your heating costs by decreasing 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.

Industry professionals say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone an extended 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 cause damage to your home while you're gone.

When you get back to your house, raise the temperature bit by bit. 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 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 best temperature range for good sleep.

Other Methods to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are many other ways 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 reduce drafts, keep warm air inside and avoid heat loss. This will decrease the stress on your heating equipment and save energy.

Set up a programmable thermostat

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

For even more savings, install a smart thermostat that can detect when you are in or out and change the temperature appropriately. To learn more about these gadgets or for smart thermostat installation in Mason City, get a hold of the skilled technicians at Mechanical Air Systems Co. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can help your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Plan furnace maintenance:

Schedule regular maintenance for your heating and cooling system. A well-maintained furnace functions more efficiently, reducing 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 Mason City, call the team at Mechanical Air Systems Co. Our trained technicians will get your system in top shape!

Seal air leaks

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

Upgrade 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 solution. Modern furnaces are highly efficient, which can notably decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re considering investing in a new heating system, call the specialists at Mechanical Air Systems Co. We’re recognized for skilled furnace installation in Mason City and will help you find a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 641-243-4654 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!