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

With multiple options and techniques available, you can reduce your heating costs while still trying to keep your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Regardless of whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are plenty of ways to find the ideal balance between warmth and savings.

Overall, 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 your HVAC bills.

Ideal Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re going to be home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recommends putting 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 Are Away

The DOE reports you can save as much as 10% on your energy costs by turning down your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. That way, 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 an extended period of time, you can set your thermostat as low as 50 degrees. That will keep your furnace running so you don’t have any frozen or burst pipes waiting for you when you get home.

When you get back to your house, raise the temperature gradually. That will keep your heating system from performing too hard, which could be the case if you raise the temperature on your thermostat quite high right away.

Recommended 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 states somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the optimal temperature range for great 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:

Evaluate your insulation levels

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

Set up a programmable thermostat

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

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 Huntingburg, contact the skilled technicians at Dearing's Service & Solutions. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can benefit your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Schedule furnace maintenance:

Plan to hire someone to do regular maintenance for your heating system. A well-maintained system operates more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters routinely to ensure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Huntingburg, call the team at Dearing's Service & Solutions. Our trained technicians will get your system in excellent working order!

Seal air leaks

Detect and seal any air leaks in your home. Typical spots for leaks including windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Plugging these gaps stops warm air from seeping out, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a cozy 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 desire, furnace replacement may be a smart long-term option. Modern day furnaces are very efficient, which can significantly lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re interested in upgrading to a new heating system, contact the pros at Dearing's Service & Solutions. We’re recognized for skilled furnace installation in Huntingburg and will help you select a unit that’s well suited for your home! Call 812-200-5844 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!