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

With numerous options and techniques available, homeowners can reduce 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 several ways to find the ideal 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 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 setting your thermostat to between 68°F and 70°F in the winter. That’s warm enough to keep lots of families cozy, but also low enough to be energy efficient.

Effective Temperature Settings While You Not at Home

The DOE states you can save approximately 10% on your energy costs by lowering your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By using this method, you’re not needlessly spending money heating your home while you’re not there.

Authorities 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 waiting for you when you get home.

When you arrive home, raise the temperature gradually. That will keep your heating system from performing too hard, which could happen if you raise the temperature on your thermostat very high right away.

Suggested Thermostat Settings While You Are in Bed for The Night

The good 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 says somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the optimal temperature range for good sleep.

Other Methods to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

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

Check your insulation levels

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

Install a programmable thermostat

Put in a programmable thermostat to manage the temperature in your home effortlessly. Set lower temperatures when you're out of your 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 modify the temperature appropriately. To learn more about these systems or for smart thermostat installation in Portland, consult with the skilled technicians at Three Rivers Heating & Cooling. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can improve your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Schedule furnace maintenance:

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

For furnace maintenance in Portland, call the team at Three Rivers Heating & Cooling. Our specialists will get your system in excellent working order!

Seal air leaks

Locate and seal any air leaks in your home. Typical sites for leaks including windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Plugging these gaps blocks warm air from leaking out of your home, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a cozy 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 desire, furnace replacement may be a good long-term solution. Modern furnaces are extremely efficient, which can significantly decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re contemplating getting a new heating system, contact the professionals at Three Rivers Heating & Cooling. We’re known for skilled furnace installation in Portland and will help you find a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 503-213-4433 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!