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

With several options and techniques available, it's possible to reduce your heating costs while still trying to keep 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 rule is the lower the temperature inside 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.

Money-Saving Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re going to be 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 comfy, but also low enough to be energy efficient.

Effective Temperature Settings While You Going to Be Out of Your Home

The DOE estimates you can save up to 10% on your home heating costs by decreasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. This way, you’re not needlessly spending money heating your home while you’re not there.

Industry professionals 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. This will be warm enough it 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 gradually. That will keep your heating system from working too hard, which could happen if you raise the temperature on your thermostat quite high right away.

Suggested Thermostat Settings While You Are Asleep

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 suggests somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the optimal temperature range for good sleep.

Additional Techniques to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are a number of other approaches you can utilize to 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 counter heat loss. This will minimize the workload on your furnace and save energy.

Buy a programmable thermostat

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

For even more savings, buy a smart thermostat that can perceive when you are in or out and adjust the temperature correctly. To learn more about these gadgets or for smart thermostat installation in Greensburg, consult with the skilled technicians at Wallpe Heating & Cooling. We can explain how smart thermostats can improve your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Plan furnace maintenance:

Schedule regular maintenance for your heating and cooling system. A well-maintained furnace operates more efficiently, decreasing energy consumption and probably avoiding costly repairs. Clean or replace air filters on a regular basis to assure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Greensburg, call the team at Wallpe Heating & Cooling. Our trained technicians will get your system in top shape!

Seal air leaks

Locate and fill in any air leaks in your home. Common spots for leaks tend to be windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps prevents warm air from seeping out, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfortable temperature.

Upgrade 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 an ideal long-term solution. Contemporary furnaces are highly efficient, which can dramatically decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re thinking about investing in a new heating system, call the specialists at Wallpe Heating & Cooling. We’re recognized for skilled furnace installation in Greensburg and will help you pick a unit that’s well suited for your home! Call 812-663-7252 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!