As winter gets closer and the temperature drops, finding ways to save money on your energy bills becomes a top priority. One of the simplest tips is modifying your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without compromising comfort.

With numerous options and techniques available, it's possible to reduce your heating costs while still trying to keep your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Irrespective of whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are several ways to find the ideal balance between warmth and savings.

In general, a good rule of thumb is the lower the temperature inside 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 your monthly energy costs.

Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re going to be home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recommends 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 Are Away

The DOE states you can save up to 10% on your home heating costs by decreasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By doing this, you’re not wasting money heating your home while you’re not there.

Experts say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone a prolonged 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 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 quite high right away.

Suggested 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 optimal temperature range for great sleep.

Other Techniques to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are many other techniques 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 cut down on drafts, keep warm air inside and counter heat loss. This will minimize the pressure on your heating equipment and save energy.

Install a programmable thermostat

Purchase 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, buy a smart thermostat that can detect when you are in or out and change the temperature appropriately. To learn more about these products or for smart thermostat installation in West Jefferson, contact the skilled technicians at West Jefferson Plumbing and Heating, Inc.. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can help your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Schedule furnace maintenance:

Schedule regular maintenance for your heating system. A well-maintained heating system runs more efficiently, decreasing energy consumption and probably avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters routinely to assure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in West Jefferson, call the team at West Jefferson Plumbing and Heating, Inc.. Our trained technicians will get your system in excellent working order!

Seal air leaks

Find and seal any air leaks in your home. Common places for leaks are 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.

Update your HVAC system

If your furnace is old, inefficient or just isn’t able to keep your home as warm as you want, furnace replacement may be a smart long-term option. Modern day furnaces are highly efficient, which can notably reduce your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re considering getting a new heating system, contact the specialists at West Jefferson Plumbing and Heating, Inc.. We’re recognized for skilled furnace installation in West Jefferson and will help you choose a unit that’s well suited for your home! Call 614-879-9091 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!