As winter approaches and the temperature dips, finding ways to save money on your heating 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 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 several ways to find the appropriate balance between warmth and savings.

In general, 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 HVAC bills.

Money-Saving Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re at home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) suggests putting your thermostat to between 68°F and 70°F in the winter. That’s warm enough to keep lots of 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 turning down your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. This way, you’re not wasting 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 put 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 get back to your house, turn up the temperature slowly. That will keep your heating system from working too hard, which it could if you raise the temperature on your thermostat really high right away.

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

The nice thing 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 quality sleep.

More Techniques 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 minimize drafts, keep warm air inside and avoid heat loss. This will decrease the workload on your heating equipment and save energy.

Install a programmable thermostat

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

For even more savings, purchase a smart thermostat that can detect when you are in or out and adjust the temperature correctly. To learn more about these systems or for smart thermostat installation in Pella, consult with the skilled technicians at Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating. We can tell you how smart thermostats can benefit your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Arrange furnace maintenance:

Schedule regular maintenance for your heating and cooling system. A well-maintained system functions more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and probably avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters routinely to make sure your unit has proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Pella, call the team at Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating. We will get your system in peak condition!

Seal air leaks

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

Upgrade your HVAC system

If your HVAC equipment is old, inefficient or just isn’t able to keep your home as warm as you want, furnace replacement may be a smart long-term solution. Modern furnaces are highly efficient, which can significantly decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

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