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

With several options and techniques available, you can decrease 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 plenty of ways to find the perfect balance between warmth and savings.

As a whole, 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 monthly energy costs.

Money-Saving Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re at home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) advises dialing your thermostat to between 68°F and 70°F in the winter. That’s warm enough to keep most families comfortable, 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 energy costs by lowering your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By doing this, you’re not needlessly spending 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. Doing this 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 arrive home, turn up the temperature gradually. 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.

Recommended Thermostat Settings While You Are Asleep

The nice thing about sleep-time thermostat settings in the winter is that people generally sleep well when it’s a little colder. The National Sleep Foundation says somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the ideal temperature range for quality sleep.

Other Ways to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are many other ways you can utilize to consume less energy this winter while you heat your home. They include:

Evaluate 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 pressure on your heating equipment and save energy.

Install a programmable thermostat

Purchase 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 needed.

For even more savings, set up a smart thermostat that can detect when you are in or out and modify the temperature correctly. To learn more about these products or for smart thermostat installation in Waunakee, consult with the skilled technicians at Home Comfort Heating & Air Conditioning LLC. We can explain how smart thermostats can improve your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Arrange furnace maintenance:

Schedule regular maintenance for your heating system. A well-maintained furnace functions more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters regularly to assure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Waunakee, call the team at Home Comfort Heating & Air Conditioning LLC. Our trained technicians will get your system in excellent working order!

Seal air leaks

Locate and seal any air leaks in your home. Frequent places 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 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. Modern furnaces are very efficient, which can considerably reduce your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re interested in investing in a new heating system, contact the pros at Home Comfort Heating & Air Conditioning LLC. We’re known for experienced furnace installation in Waunakee and will help you select a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 608-850-9498 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!