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

With many options and techniques available, it's possible to decrease your heating costs while still making your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are many ways to find the perfect balance between warmth and savings.

In general, a good rule 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 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 most families comfy, but also low enough to be energy efficient.

Effective Temperature Settings While You Not at Home

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 wasting money heating your home while you’re not there.

Authorities say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone a long period of time, you can set 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 arrive home, raise the temperature slowly. That will keep your heating system from performing too hard, which could happen if you raise the temperature on your thermostat very high right away.

Cost-Efficient Thermostat Settings While You Are Asleep

The great 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 optimal temperature range for great sleep.

More Tactics to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

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

Check your insulation levels

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

Install a programmable thermostat

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

For even more savings, install a smart thermostat that can detect when you are in or out and adjust the temperature correctly. To learn more about these devices or for smart thermostat installation in Menomonie and western Wisconsin, consult with the skilled technicians at Halverson Brothers Inc. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can help your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Plan furnace maintenance:

Plan regular maintenance for your HVAC system. A well-maintained heating system operates more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or replace air filters on a regular basis to make sure your unit has proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Menomonie and western Wisconsin, call the team at Halverson Brothers Inc. Our specialists will get your system in excellent working order!

Seal air leaks

Locate and fill in any air leaks in your home. Frequent places for leaks tend to be windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Plugging these gaps blocks warm air from escaping, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfy temperature.

Upgrade your HVAC system

If your furnace 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 solution. Today’s furnaces are extremely efficient, which can significantly lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re contemplating upgrading to a new heating system, contact the specialists at Halverson Brothers Inc. We’re recognized for experienced furnace installation in Menomonie and western Wisconsin and will help you select a unit that’s well suited for your home! Call 715-352-4052 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!