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

With many options and techniques available, it's possible to decrease your heating costs while still keeping 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 perfect balance between warmth and savings.

In general, 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 outside temperature, the more money you will save on your HVAC bills.

Money-Saving Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re going to be home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) suggests dialing 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 Going to Be Out of Your Home

The DOE reports you can save as much as 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.

Experts say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone a prolonged 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 while you are away.

When you get back to your house, raise the temperature slowly. That will keep your heating system from running too hard, which could happen if you raise the temperature on your thermostat really high right away.

Recommended Thermostat Settings While You Are Sleeping

The nice thing 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 Techniques to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are a number of other approaches you can employ so you 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 protect against heat loss. This will decrease the workload on your heating equipment and save energy.

Set up a programmable thermostat

Put in a programmable thermostat to manage the temperature in your home effortlessly. 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 adjust the temperature appropriately. To learn more about these systems or for smart thermostat installation in Winnipeg, contact the skilled technicians at Kirkfield Heating & Air Conditioning. We can tell you how smart thermostats can improve 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 heating system functions more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and probably avoiding costly repairs. Clean or replace air filters regularly to make sure your unit has proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Winnipeg, call the team at Kirkfield Heating & Air Conditioning. Our trained technicians will get your system in peak condition!

Seal air leaks

Detect and fill in any air leaks in your home. Common sites 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 cozy temperature.

Upgrade your HVAC system

If your furnace is old, inefficient or just isn’t able to keep your home as warm as you desire, furnace replacement may be a smart long-term option. Today’s furnaces are very efficient, which can significantly reduce your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re thinking about investing in a new heating system, phone the specialists at Kirkfield Heating & Air Conditioning. We’re noted for skilled furnace installation in Winnipeg and will help you pick a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 204-272-8128 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!