As winter approaches and the temperature dips, finding ways to save money on your power bills becomes a top priority. One of the simplest strategies is modifying your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without sacrificing comfort.

With several options and techniques available, homeowners can lower your heating costs while still trying to keep your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are many 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 outdoor temperature, the more money you will save on heating.

Ideal Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re at 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 the majority of families cozy, but also low enough to be energy efficient.

Effective Temperature Settings While You Are Away

The DOE states you can save as much as 10% on your HVAC costs by turning down your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By using this method, you’re not throwing away money heating your home while you’re not there.

Authorities 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. That 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 return to your home, increase the temperature slowly. That will keep your heating system from performing too hard, which it could if you raise the temperature on your thermostat really high right away.

Suggested 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 quality sleep.

Other Ways to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are several 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 minimize drafts, keep warm air inside and counter heat loss. This will minimize the workload on your HVAC system and save energy.

Buy a programmable thermostat

Install 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 needed.

For even more savings, purchase a smart thermostat that can sense when you are in or out and adjust the temperature appropriately. To learn more about these devices or for smart thermostat installation in Bloomfield, get a hold of the skilled technicians at Stanford Heating & Cooling. We can explain how smart thermostats can improve your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Plan furnace maintenance:

Plan regular maintenance for your heating and cooling system. A well-maintained heating system functions more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters routinely to ensure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Bloomfield, call the team at Stanford Heating & Cooling. Our specialists will get your system in excellent working order!

Seal air leaks

Detect and seal any air leaks in your home. Frequent spots for leaks including windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps prevents warm air from leaking out of your home, 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 want, furnace replacement may be an ideal long-term decision. Modern day furnaces are extremely efficient, which can notably lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re contemplating investing in a new heating system, contact the specialists at Stanford Heating & Cooling. We’re recognized for knowledgeable furnace installation in Bloomfield and will help you pick a unit that’s well suited for your home! Call 812-825-8695 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!