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

With many options and techniques available, you can lower 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 many ways to find the appropriate balance between warmth and savings.

In general, a good rule is the lower the temperature within your home and the less difference there is between the air inside your home and the exterior temperature, the more money you will save on heating.

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 lots of families comfortable, 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 HVAC costs by turning down your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. That way, 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 a long period of time, you can put your thermostat as low as 50 degrees. This will be warm enough it will keep your furnace running so you don’t have any frozen or burst pipes cause damage to your home while you're gone.

When you return to your home, increase the temperature little by little. That will keep your heating system from running 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 Asleep

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

Other Ways 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:

Check your insulation levels

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

Install a programmable thermostat

Purchase 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 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 products or for smart thermostat installation in Myrtle Beach, get a hold of the skilled technicians at Polar Air & Mechanical. We can tell you how smart thermostats can help your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Arrange furnace maintenance:

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

For furnace maintenance in Myrtle Beach, call the team at Polar Air & Mechanical. Our specialists will get your system in excellent working order!

Seal air leaks

Detect and close off any air leaks in your home. Typical sites 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 comfy temperature.

Update your HVAC system

If your HVAC equipment is old, inefficient or just isn’t able to keep your home as warm as you want, furnace replacement may be an ideal long-term option. Today’s furnaces are very 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 Polar Air & Mechanical. We’re noted for skilled furnace installation in Myrtle Beach and will help you choose a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 843-253-4874 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!