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

With many options and techniques available, homeowners can decrease your heating costs while still making 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 appropriate balance between warmth and savings.

As a whole, a good rule of thumb 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 heating.

Money-Saving Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

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

The DOE estimates you can save as much as 10% on your energy costs by decreasing 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.

Authorities 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. That 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 arrive home, raise the temperature little by little. That will keep your heating system from performing too hard, which it could if you raise the temperature on your thermostat very high right away.

Suggested Thermostat Settings While You Are Asleep

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

Other Ways to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are a number of other ways you can utilize to 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 protect against heat loss. This will minimize the stress on your HVAC system and save energy.

Set up a programmable thermostat

Purchase a programmable thermostat to manage the temperature in your home efficiently. Set lower temperatures when you're not home or asleep and increase them only when necessary.

For even more savings, set up a smart thermostat that can sense when you are in or out and modify the temperature appropriately. To learn more about these systems or for smart thermostat installation in Circleville, get a hold of the skilled technicians at Stephen Hurst Pack Heating and Cooling. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can help your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Plan furnace maintenance:

Schedule regular maintenance for your HVAC system. A well-maintained heating system functions more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters regularly to ensure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Circleville, call the team at Stephen Hurst Pack Heating and Cooling. Our specialists will get your system in excellent working order!

Seal air leaks

Find and close off any air leaks in your home. Frequent places for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Plugging these gaps prevents warm air from leaking out of your home, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a sufficient temperature.

Improve 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 solution. Contemporary furnaces are highly efficient, which can dramatically reduce your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re contemplating investing in a new heating system, contact the pros at Stephen Hurst Pack Heating and Cooling. We’re recognized for skilled furnace installation in Circleville and will help you pick a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 740-474-5940 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!