As winter gets closer and the temperature drops, finding ways to save money on your power bills becomes a top priority. One of the most effective ways is modifying your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without losing comfort.

With numerous options and techniques available, you can decrease your heating costs while still making your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Irrespective of whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are plenty of ways to find the perfect 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 heating.

Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re around your 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 most families comfortable, but also low enough to be energy efficient.

Effective Temperature Settings While You Are Away

The DOE states you can save up to 10% on your home heating costs by lowering 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.

Experts 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. 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 gradually. That will keep your heating system from performing too hard, which it could if you raise the temperature on your thermostat really high right away.

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

More Ways to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are several other techniques 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 minimize the pressure on your heating equipment and save energy.

Install a programmable thermostat

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

For even more savings, buy a smart thermostat that can sense when you are in or out and modify the temperature correctly. To learn more about these systems or for smart thermostat installation in Crown Point, contact the skilled technicians at Struven 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:

Plan regular maintenance for your heating and cooling system. A well-maintained system runs more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and probably avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters regularly to assure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Crown Point, call the team at Struven Heating & Cooling. Our specialists will get your system in peak condition!

Seal air leaks

Find and fill in any air leaks in your home. Common places for leaks tend to be windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing these gaps blocks warm air from seeping out, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a sufficient 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 want, furnace replacement may be an ideal long-term option. Modern day furnaces are highly efficient, which can significantly lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re thinking about investing in a new heating system, phone the specialists at Struven Heating & Cooling. We’re known for skilled furnace installation in Crown Point and will help you find a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 219-292-0956 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!