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

With multiple options and techniques available, you can lower your heating costs while still keeping your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are plenty of ways to find the appropriate balance between warmth and savings.

In general, a good rule of thumb is the lower the temperature within 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 heating.

Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re around your home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) suggests 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 states you can save up to 10% on your heating costs by decreasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. That way, you’re not wasting money heating your home while you’re not there.

Authorities 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. That 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 return to your home, increase the temperature slowly. That will keep your heating system from working too hard, which it could if you raise the temperature on your thermostat very high right away.

Suggested 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 states somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the optimal temperature range for good sleep.

Additional Tactics 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:

Evaluate your insulation levels

Insulate doors, windows and walls to minimize drafts, keep warm air inside and avoid heat loss. This will limit the workload on your HVAC system and save energy.

Install a programmable thermostat

Put in a programmable thermostat to control the temperature in your home conveniently. Set lower temperatures when you're away or asleep and increase them only when needed.

For even more savings, install a smart thermostat that can sense when you are in or out and adjust the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these products or for smart thermostat installation in Plover, contact the skilled technicians at Point Heating & Cooling. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can help your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Arrange furnace maintenance:

Plan regular maintenance for your HVAC system. A well-maintained heating system runs more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters regularly to ensure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Plover, call the team at Point Heating & Cooling. Our trained technicians will get your system in excellent working order!

Seal air leaks

Locate and seal any air leaks in your home. Common sites 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 comfortable temperature.

Update your HVAC system

If your HVAC equipment is old, inefficient or just isn’t able to keep your home as warm as you want, furnace replacement may be a good long-term decision. Contemporary furnaces are highly efficient, which can notably reduce your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re contemplating getting a new heating system, call the professionals at Point Heating & Cooling. We’re noted for skilled furnace installation in Plover and will help you select a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 715-504-0533 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!