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

With numerous options and techniques available, you can reduce your heating costs while still keeping your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Irrespective of whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are many ways to find the perfect balance between warmth and savings.

Overall, a good guideline is the lower the temperature inside your home and the less difference there is between the air inside your home and the outdoor temperature, the more money you will save on heating.

Ideal Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re around your home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) advises 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 Not at Home

The DOE reports you can save as much as 10% on your HVAC costs by lowering your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By using this method, 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 a long period of time, you can adjust 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 return to your home, increase the temperature bit by bit. That will keep your heating system from working too hard, which could happen if you raise the temperature on your thermostat very high right away.

Recommended Thermostat Settings While You Are Sleeping

The good news about sleep-time thermostat settings in the winter is that people sleep better when it’s a little colder. The National Sleep Foundation states somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the best temperature range for quality sleep.

Additional 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:

Examine your insulation levels

Insulate doors, windows and walls to reduce drafts, keep warm air inside and prevent heat loss. This will limit the stress on your furnace and save energy.

Buy a programmable thermostat

Install a programmable thermostat to regulate the temperature in your home effectively. Set lower temperatures when you're away or asleep and increase them only when required.

For even more savings, purchase a smart thermostat that can sense when you are in or out and adjust the temperature correctly. To learn more about these products or for smart thermostat installation in Rockford, get a hold of the skilled technicians at Temperature Doctors Heating & Cooling. We can tell you how smart thermostats can improve your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Arrange furnace maintenance:

Plan regular maintenance for your heating and cooling system. A well-maintained furnace functions more efficiently, decreasing energy consumption and probably avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters regularly to make sure your unit has proper airflow.

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

Seal air leaks

Locate and fill in any air leaks in your home. Typical spots for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps blocks warm air from escaping, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a cozy 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 need, furnace replacement may be a smart long-term option. Modern furnaces are extremely efficient, which can considerably lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re interested in upgrading to a new heating system, phone the pros at Temperature Doctors Heating & Cooling. We’re recognized for experienced furnace installation in Rockford and will help you pick a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call (815) 914-6197 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!