As winter approaches and the temperature dips, finding ways to save money on your heating bills becomes a top priority. One of the most effective ways is changing your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without compromising comfort.

With multiple options and techniques available, it's possible to decrease your heating costs while still keeping 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 perfect balance between warmth and savings.

Overall, a good guideline is the lower the temperature within 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.

Ideal Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re around your home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recommends setting your thermostat to between 68°F and 70°F in the winter. That’s warm enough to keep most families cozy, 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 up to 10% on your HVAC costs by lowering your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. This way, you’re not wasting money heating your home while you’re not there.

Industry professionals 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 bit by bit. That will keep your heating system from working 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 states somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the best temperature range for quality sleep.

Additional Ways to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are many other approaches 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 counter heat loss. This will limit the workload on your furnace and save energy.

Install a programmable thermostat

Install a programmable thermostat to control the temperature in your home conveniently. Set lower temperatures when you're out of your 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 change the temperature appropriately. To learn more about these devices or for smart thermostat installation in Cache Valley, consult with the skilled technicians at Western Mechanical, Inc.. We can tell you how smart thermostats can help your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Schedule furnace maintenance:

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

For furnace maintenance in Cache Valley, call the team at Western Mechanical, Inc.. Our specialists will get your system in top shape!

Seal air leaks

Detect and fill in any air leaks in your home. Typical spots for leaks tend to be windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing these gaps stops warm air from seeping out, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a cozy temperature.

Update 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 solution. Modern furnaces are very efficient, which can dramatically lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re contemplating investing in a new heating system, call the specialists at Western Mechanical, Inc.. We’re recognized for knowledgeable furnace installation in Cache Valley and will help you select a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 435-753-5515 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!