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

With several options and techniques available, homeowners can decrease 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 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 exterior temperature, the more money you will save on your monthly energy costs.

Best 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 Are Away

The DOE estimates you can save as much as 10% on your energy costs by lowering your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. That 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 prolonged period of time, you can set 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 while you are away.

When you get back to your house, raise the temperature slowly. 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.

Cost-Efficient Thermostat Settings While You Are Sleeping

The good 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 reports somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the best temperature range for good sleep.

Other Methods to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are a number of other ways you can employ so you 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 limit the pressure on your furnace and save energy.

Buy a programmable thermostat

Put in a programmable thermostat to control the temperature in your home efficiently. 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 sense when you are in or out and modify the temperature correctly. To learn more about these products or for smart thermostat installation in Alliance, contact the skilled technicians at Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces. We can explain how smart thermostats can help your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Plan furnace maintenance:

Plan regular maintenance for your heating and cooling system. A well-maintained furnace functions more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and probably avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters routinely to ensure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Alliance, call the team at Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces. Our specialists will get your system in excellent working order!

Seal air leaks

Find and seal any air leaks in your home. Typical places for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing these gaps prevents warm air from seeping out, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a cozy temperature.

Update your HVAC system

If your furnace 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 solution. Contemporary furnaces are very efficient, which can notably lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re contemplating investing in a new heating system, phone the specialists at Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces. We’re noted for skilled furnace installation in Alliance and will help you select a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 308-762-1613 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!