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 tips is adjusting your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without sacrificing comfort.

With numerous options and techniques available, homeowners can decrease your heating costs while still trying to keep your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Irrespective of whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are plenty of 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 outdoor temperature, the more money you will save on your HVAC bills.

Money-Saving Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re at home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) advises setting 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 Going to Be Out of Your Home

The DOE states you can save approximately 10% on your energy costs by turning down your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By using this method, 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 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 waiting for you when you get home.

When you return to your home, increase the temperature gradually. That will keep your heating system from running too hard, which it could if you raise the temperature on your thermostat really high right away.

Cost-Efficient Thermostat Settings While You Are Sleeping

The nice thing about sleep-time thermostat settings in the winter is that people get good sleep when it’s a little colder. The National Sleep Foundation reports somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the optimal temperature range for great sleep.

More Methods 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:

Examine your insulation levels

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

Set up a programmable thermostat

Install a programmable thermostat to control 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, install a smart thermostat that can detect when you are in or out and change the temperature correctly. To learn more about these devices or for smart thermostat installation in Los Angeles, consult with the skilled technicians at AZ Air Conditioning and Heating. We can explain how smart thermostats can improve your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Arrange furnace maintenance:

Schedule regular maintenance for your HVAC system. A well-maintained system runs more efficiently, decreasing energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters on a regular basis to assure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Los Angeles, call the team at AZ Air Conditioning and Heating. Our specialists will get your system in peak condition!

Seal air leaks

Find and seal any air leaks in your home. Common sites for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing these gaps blocks warm air from seeping out, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfy temperature.

Upgrade your HVAC system

If your HVAC equipment is old, inefficient or just isn’t able to keep your home as warm as you desire, furnace replacement may be a good long-term solution. Contemporary furnaces are very efficient, which can considerably reduce your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re contemplating getting a new heating system, call the pros at AZ Air Conditioning and Heating. We’re known for experienced furnace installation in Los Angeles and will help you select a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call (877) 559-6081 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!