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

With several options and techniques available, homeowners 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 plenty of ways to find the ideal 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.

Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re around your 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 cozy, but also low enough to be energy efficient.

Effective Temperature Settings While You Are Away

The DOE reports you can save up to 10% on your heating costs by turning down 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 while you are away.

When you get back to your house, raise the temperature little by little. That will keep your heating system from working too hard, which it could if you raise the temperature on your thermostat quite high right away.

Suggested Thermostat Settings While You Are in Bed for The Night

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 quality sleep.

More Methods 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:

Examine your insulation levels

Insulate doors, windows and walls to reduce drafts, keep warm air inside and protect against heat loss. This will minimize the pressure on your HVAC system and save energy.

Set up 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 required.

For even more savings, buy a smart thermostat that can detect when you are in or out and change the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these products or for smart thermostat installation in Rockford, consult with the skilled technicians at Temperature Doctors Heating & Cooling. We can explain how smart thermostats can help your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Arrange furnace maintenance:

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

For furnace maintenance in Rockford, call the team at Temperature Doctors Heating & Cooling. We will get your system in top shape!

Seal air leaks

Find and fill in any air leaks in your home. Typical spots for leaks tend to be windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps stops warm air from leaking out of your home, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfy 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 need, furnace replacement may be a smart long-term decision. Contemporary furnaces are extremely efficient, which can notably lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re thinking about investing in a new heating system, phone the specialists at Temperature Doctors Heating & Cooling. We’re noted for experienced furnace installation in Rockford and will help you find a unit that’s well suited for your home! Call (815) 914-6197 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!