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

With multiple options and techniques available, homeowners can decrease your heating costs while still keeping 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 ideal balance between warmth and savings.

Overall, a good rule of thumb is the lower the temperature inside your home and the less difference there is between the air inside your home and the outdoor temperature, the more money you will save on heating.

Ideal Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

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

Effective Temperature Settings While You Going to Be Out of Your Home

The DOE states you can save as much as 10% on your HVAC costs by turning down 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.

Industry professionals say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone a prolonged period of time, you can adjust 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 arrive home, increase the temperature bit by bit. That will keep your heating system from performing too hard, which could happen if you raise the temperature on your thermostat really 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 get good sleep when it’s a little colder. The National Sleep Foundation suggests somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the best temperature range for good sleep.

Other Tactics to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are many other techniques 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 cut down on drafts, keep warm air inside and avoid heat loss. This will limit the pressure on your furnace 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 away or asleep and increase them only when needed.

For even more savings, purchase a smart thermostat that can detect when you are in or out and adjust the temperature appropriately. To learn more about these systems or for smart thermostat installation in Crown Point, consult with the skilled technicians at Struven Heating & Cooling. We can explain how smart thermostats can improve your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Arrange furnace maintenance:

Plan to hire someone to do regular maintenance for your HVAC system. A well-maintained system runs more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters routinely to make sure your unit has proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Crown Point, call the team at Struven Heating & Cooling. We will get your system in excellent working order!

Seal air leaks

Locate and fill in any air leaks in your home. Common sites for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps stops warm air from leaking out of your home, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfy 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 desire, furnace replacement may be an ideal long-term option. Contemporary furnaces are extremely efficient, which can dramatically lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re contemplating upgrading to a new heating system, call the specialists at Struven Heating & Cooling. We’re recognized for knowledgeable furnace installation in Crown Point and will help you select a unit that’s well suited for your home! Call 219-292-0956 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!