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

With multiple options and techniques available, it's possible to reduce 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 several ways to find the appropriate balance between warmth and savings.

As a whole, a good guideline 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 your monthly energy costs.

Ideal Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re around your home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) suggests dialing your thermostat to between 68°F and 70°F in the winter. That’s warm enough to keep most families comfortable, but also low enough to be energy efficient.

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

The DOE states you can save up to 10% on your heating costs by turning down your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. This way, you’re not throwing away 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 set your thermostat as low as 50 degrees. That will keep your furnace running so you don’t have any frozen or burst pipes while you are away.

When you arrive home, turn up the temperature little by little. That will keep your heating system from working too hard, which could happen if you raise the temperature on your thermostat very high right away.

Recommended Thermostat Settings While You Are Asleep

The good 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 ideal temperature range for good sleep.

Other Ways to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are several 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 protect against heat loss. This will minimize the workload on your furnace and save energy.

Set up a programmable thermostat

Install a programmable thermostat to regulate the temperature in your home effortlessly. 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 detect when you are in or out and modify the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these systems or for smart thermostat installation in Lawrence, get a hold of the skilled technicians at Scott Temperature. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can benefit your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Plan furnace maintenance:

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

For furnace maintenance in Lawrence, call the team at Scott Temperature. Our trained technicians will get your system in excellent working order!

Seal air leaks

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

Improve 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 a smart long-term option. Modern furnaces are highly 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, phone the professionals at Scott Temperature. We’re noted for knowledgeable furnace installation in Lawrence and will help you find a unit that’s well suited for your home! Call 785-269-0465 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!