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

With several options and techniques available, you can reduce 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 several ways to find the ideal balance between warmth and savings.

As a whole, a good rule 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.

Ideal Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re going to be home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) suggests putting your thermostat to between 68°F and 70°F in the winter. That’s warm enough to keep the majority of families comfortable, 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 home heating costs by decreasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. That way, you’re not throwing away money heating your home while you’re not there.

Authorities say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone a long 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 return to your home, turn up the temperature gradually. That will keep your heating system from performing too hard, which could be the case if you raise the temperature on your thermostat very high right away.

Cost-Efficient Thermostat Settings While You Are in Bed for The Night

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 optimal temperature range for good sleep.

Additional Methods to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are many other ways you can use to consume less energy this winter while you heat your home. They include:

Evaluate your insulation levels

Insulate doors, windows and walls to cut down on drafts, keep warm air inside and counter heat loss. This will decrease the pressure on your HVAC system and save energy.

Set up a programmable thermostat

Put in a programmable thermostat to regulate the temperature in your home effectively. Set lower temperatures when you're out of your home or asleep and increase them only when needed.

For even more savings, purchase a smart thermostat that can perceive when you are in or out and adjust the temperature appropriately. To learn more about these devices or for smart thermostat installation in Winnipeg, get a hold of the skilled technicians at Kirkfield Heating & Air Conditioning. We can tell you 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 and cooling system. A well-maintained heating system operates more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters regularly to ensure proper airflow.

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

Seal air leaks

Locate and close off any air leaks in your home. Frequent places for leaks including windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing these gaps prevents warm air from seeping out, 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 want, furnace replacement may be a good long-term decision. Modern day furnaces are highly efficient, which can dramatically decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re thinking about upgrading to a new heating system, contact the specialists at Kirkfield Heating & Air Conditioning. We’re recognized for skilled furnace installation in Winnipeg and will help you find a unit that’s well suited for your home! Call 204-272-8128 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!