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

With several options and techniques available, you can decrease your heating costs while still keeping your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are several ways to find the appropriate balance between warmth and savings.

As a whole, a good rule of thumb is the lower the temperature in 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.

Money-Saving 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 lots of families comfy, but also low enough to be energy efficient.

Effective Temperature Settings While You Not at Home

The DOE states you can save as much as 10% on your HVAC costs by decreasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. That way, 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 waiting for you when you get home.

When you return to your home, turn up the temperature little by little. That will keep your heating system from performing too hard, which could be the case if you raise the temperature on your thermostat very high right away.

Suggested Thermostat Settings While You Are in Bed for The Night

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

Additional Ways to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are a number of other ways you can use to consume less energy this winter while you heat your home. They include:

Evaluate your insulation levels

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

Buy a programmable thermostat

Put in a programmable thermostat to manage the temperature in your home effortlessly. Set lower temperatures when you're not home or asleep and increase them only when necessary.

For even more savings, purchase a smart thermostat that can perceive when you are in or out and adjust the temperature correctly. To learn more about these devices or for smart thermostat installation in Pella, contact the skilled technicians at Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating. We can explain how smart thermostats can improve your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Arrange furnace maintenance:

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

For furnace maintenance in Pella, call the team at Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating. Our trained technicians will get your system in excellent working order!

Seal air leaks

Detect and close off any air leaks in your home. Typical spots for leaks tend to be windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps blocks warm air from leaking out of your home, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a cozy temperature.

Upgrade your HVAC system

If your heating system is old, inefficient or just isn’t able to keep your home as warm as you desire, furnace replacement may be an ideal long-term option. Today’s furnaces are extremely efficient, which can significantly lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re thinking about upgrading to a new heating system, phone the professionals at Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating. We’re known for knowledgeable furnace installation in Pella and will help you find a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 641-628-3621 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!