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

With many options and techniques available, you can decrease your heating costs while still keeping your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are plenty of ways to find the appropriate balance between warmth and savings.

As a whole, a good guideline is the lower the temperature within 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) advises dialing your thermostat to between 68°F and 70°F in the winter. That’s warm enough to keep most families cozy, but also low enough to be energy efficient.

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

The DOE reports you can save up to 10% on your energy costs by lowering your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By doing this, 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 an extended 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 cause damage to your home while you're gone.

When you return to your home, increase the temperature little by little. That will keep your heating system from performing too hard, which could be the case if you raise the temperature on your thermostat quite high right away.

Cost-Efficient Thermostat Settings While You Are in Bed for The Night

The good news 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 best temperature range for quality sleep.

More Techniques to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are a number of other approaches you can use 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 prevent heat loss. This will minimize the stress on your HVAC system and save energy.

Set up a programmable thermostat

Purchase a programmable thermostat to regulate the temperature in your home effectively. Set lower temperatures when you're out of your home 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 modify the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these systems or for smart thermostat installation in Pella, contact the skilled technicians at Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating. We can explain 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 system runs more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters regularly to assure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Pella, call the team at Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating. Our trained technicians will get your system in excellent working order!

Seal air leaks

Detect and fill in any air leaks in your home. Typical spots for leaks including windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps stops warm air from seeping out, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a sufficient temperature.

Improve your HVAC system

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

If you’re considering upgrading to a new heating system, phone the specialists at Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating. We’re recognized for knowledgeable furnace installation in Pella and will help you select a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 641-628-3621 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!