As winter draws near and the temperature drops, finding ways to save money on your power bills becomes a top priority. One of the simplest techniques is changing your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without compromising comfort.

With numerous options and techniques available, homeowners can decrease 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.

As a whole, a good rule is the lower the temperature in 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 your HVAC bills.

Ideal Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

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

Effective Temperature Settings While You Are Away

The DOE states you can save approximately 10% on your HVAC costs by decreasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. That 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 an extended period of time, you can adjust your thermostat as low as 50 degrees. Doing this will keep your furnace running so you don’t have any frozen or burst pipes waiting for you when you get home.

When you get back to your house, turn up the temperature slowly. That will keep your heating system from working too hard, which could be the case if you raise the temperature on your thermostat very high right away.

Cost-Efficient 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 suggests somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the best temperature range for good sleep.

Other Ways to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are many other ways you can employ so you consume less energy this winter while you heat your home. They include:

Evaluate your insulation levels

Insulate doors, windows and walls to minimize drafts, keep warm air inside and counter heat loss. This will decrease the pressure on your heating equipment and save energy.

Install a programmable thermostat

Put in a programmable thermostat to control the temperature in your home efficiently. Set lower temperatures when you're out of your home or asleep and increase them only when required.

For even more savings, set up a smart thermostat that can perceive when you are in or out and adjust the temperature appropriately. To learn more about these gadgets or for smart thermostat installation in Wyandotte, contact the skilled technicians at Gee & Missler Heating & Air Conditioning. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can improve your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Arrange furnace maintenance:

Plan to hire someone to do regular maintenance for your heating system. A well-maintained heating system operates more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters on a regular basis to make sure your unit has proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Wyandotte, call the team at Gee & Missler Heating & Air Conditioning. Our trained technicians will get your system in excellent working order!

Seal air leaks

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

Update 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 furnaces are very efficient, which can notably lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re contemplating getting a new heating system, call the pros at Gee & Missler Heating & Air Conditioning. We’re noted for knowledgeable furnace installation in Wyandotte and will help you choose a unit that’s well suited for your home! Call 734-284-1224 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!