As winter approaches and the temperature drops, 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 sacrificing comfort.

With several options and techniques available, homeowners can reduce your heating costs while still trying to keep your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Regardless of whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are many ways to find the appropriate 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 exterior temperature, the more money you will save on heating.

Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

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

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

The DOE estimates you can save up to 10% on your energy costs by decreasing 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.

Industry professionals 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 get back to your house, raise the temperature gradually. That will keep your heating system from working too hard, which it could if you raise the temperature on your thermostat really high right away.

Cost-Efficient Thermostat Settings While You Are Sleeping

The nice thing 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 ideal temperature range for good sleep.

Other Methods to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are many other ways 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 protect against heat loss. This will decrease the pressure on your heating equipment and save energy.

Buy a programmable thermostat

Put in a programmable thermostat to regulate the temperature in your home efficiently. Set lower temperatures when you're away 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 modify the temperature correctly. To learn more about these gadgets or for smart thermostat installation in Seymour, consult with the skilled technicians at Diedrick's Heating and Air Conditioning. We can tell you how smart thermostats can benefit your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Schedule furnace maintenance:

Schedule regular maintenance for your heating system. A well-maintained heating system functions more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters on a regular basis to ensure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Seymour, call the team at Diedrick's Heating and Air Conditioning. Our trained technicians will get your system in top shape!

Seal air leaks

Detect and fill in any air leaks in your home. Common sites for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Plugging these gaps blocks warm air from seeping out, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a sufficient temperature.

Upgrade 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 an ideal long-term decision. Contemporary furnaces are highly efficient, which can considerably lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re considering upgrading to a new heating system, call the pros at Diedrick's Heating and Air Conditioning. We’re known for knowledgeable furnace installation in Seymour and will help you select a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 920-833-7967 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!