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

With multiple options and techniques available, you can reduce 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 perfect balance between warmth and savings.

In general, a good rule 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 your monthly energy costs.

Money-Saving Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re going to be home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) suggests dialing your thermostat to between 68°F and 70°F in the winter. That’s warm enough to keep lots of families cozy, but also low enough to be energy efficient.

Effective Temperature Settings While You Not at Home

The DOE reports you can save up to 10% on your heating costs by decreasing 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.

Experts say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone a long 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 while you are away.

When you arrive home, increase the temperature slowly. 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.

Suggested Thermostat Settings While You Are Sleeping

The good 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 optimal temperature range for great sleep.

More Tactics to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are a number of other approaches you can use to 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 avoid heat loss. This will limit the pressure on your heating equipment and save energy.

Install a programmable thermostat

Purchase a programmable thermostat to manage the temperature in your home effortlessly. Set lower temperatures when you're out of your home or asleep and increase them only when required.

For even more savings, set up a smart thermostat that can sense when you are in or out and adjust the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these devices or for smart thermostat installation in Plover, get a hold of the skilled technicians at Point Heating & Cooling. 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 HVAC system. A well-maintained heating system runs more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters on a regular basis to ensure proper airflow.

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

Seal air leaks

Locate and seal any air leaks in your home. Typical places for leaks are 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 HVAC equipment is old, inefficient or just isn’t able to keep your home as warm as you desire, furnace replacement may be a good long-term decision. Contemporary furnaces are highly efficient, which can significantly decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re thinking about upgrading to a new heating system, call the specialists at Point Heating & Cooling. We’re noted for experienced furnace installation in Plover and will help you pick a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 715-504-0533 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!