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

With numerous options and techniques available, you can lower your heating costs while still making 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 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 your HVAC bills.

Best 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 lots 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. 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 put 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 cause damage to your home while you're gone.

When you get back to your house, turn up the temperature bit by bit. That will keep your heating system from running 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 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 ideal temperature range for great sleep.

More Techniques to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are many other techniques you can use 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 prevent heat loss. This will limit the stress on your HVAC system and save energy.

Set up a programmable thermostat

Install a programmable thermostat to manage the temperature in your home effortlessly. 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 modify the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these devices or for smart thermostat installation in West Jefferson, get a hold of the skilled technicians at West Jefferson Plumbing and Heating, Inc.. We can tell you how smart thermostats can benefit your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Schedule furnace maintenance:

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

For furnace maintenance in West Jefferson, call the team at West Jefferson Plumbing and Heating, Inc.. Our specialists will get your system in peak condition!

Seal air leaks

Locate and close off any air leaks in your home. Frequent spots for leaks tend to be windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Plugging these gaps prevents warm air from escaping, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfortable temperature.

Improve your HVAC system

If your furnace is old, inefficient or just isn’t able to keep your home as warm as you need, furnace replacement may be a good long-term solution. Today’s furnaces are highly efficient, which can notably lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re thinking about upgrading to a new heating system, phone the pros at West Jefferson Plumbing and Heating, Inc.. We’re recognized for experienced furnace installation in West Jefferson and will help you pick a unit that’s well suited for your home! Call 614-879-9091 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!