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

With numerous options and techniques available, it's possible to decrease your heating costs while still making 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 guideline 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 heating.

Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re at home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recommends setting your thermostat to between 68°F and 70°F in the winter. That’s warm enough to keep the majority of 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 approximately 10% on your heating costs by decreasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. This way, 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 long period of time, you can adjust 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 arrive home, turn up the temperature gradually. That will keep your heating system from working too hard, which could happen if you raise the temperature on your thermostat very high right away.

Recommended Thermostat Settings While You Are Sleeping

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

Other Ways to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

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

Evaluate your insulation levels

Insulate doors, windows and walls to reduce drafts, keep warm air inside and avoid heat loss. This will minimize the stress on your HVAC system and save energy.

Set up a programmable thermostat

Install 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 required.

For even more savings, set up a smart thermostat that can perceive when you are in or out and modify the temperature appropriately. To learn more about these gadgets or for smart thermostat installation in McAllen, contact the skilled technicians at Cytech Heating & Cooling L.C.. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can improve your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Arrange furnace maintenance:

Schedule regular maintenance for your heating and cooling system. A well-maintained heating system functions more efficiently, decreasing energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or replace air filters on a regular basis to assure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in McAllen, call the team at Cytech Heating & Cooling L.C.. Our specialists will get your system in peak condition!

Seal air leaks

Find and fill in any air leaks in your home. Typical places for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Plugging these gaps stops warm air from escaping, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a cozy 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 a smart long-term decision. Today’s furnaces are very efficient, which can significantly decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re thinking about upgrading to a new heating system, call the professionals at Cytech Heating & Cooling L.C.. We’re noted for experienced furnace installation in McAllen and will help you select a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 956-553-3265 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!