As winter gets closer and the temperature dips, finding ways to save money on your power bills becomes a top priority. One of the most effective ways is changing your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without sacrificing 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 several ways to find the ideal balance between warmth and savings.

Overall, 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 outside temperature, the more money you will save on heating.

Money-Saving Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re around your home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) advises setting 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 Going to Be Out of Your Home

The DOE reports you can save up to 10% on your HVAC costs by decreasing 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.

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 waiting for you when you get home.

When you return to your home, increase the temperature little by little. That will keep your heating system from running too hard, which could be the case 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 generally sleep well when it’s a little colder. The National Sleep Foundation says somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the best temperature range for good sleep.

Additional Tactics to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are many other approaches 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 limit the stress on your HVAC system and save energy.

Install a programmable thermostat

Install a programmable thermostat to regulate the temperature in your home effectively. Set lower temperatures when you're away or asleep and increase them only when required.

For even more savings, install a smart thermostat that can sense when you are in or out and modify the temperature appropriately. To learn more about these systems or for smart thermostat installation in New Castle, get a hold of the skilled technicians at Central Heating & Plumbing. We can tell you 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 and cooling system. A well-maintained heating system operates more efficiently, decreasing energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or replace air filters regularly to assure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in New Castle, call the team at Central Heating & Plumbing. Our specialists will get your system in peak condition!

Seal air leaks

Detect and fill in any air leaks in your home. Common sites for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing 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 need, furnace replacement may be an ideal long-term decision. Contemporary furnaces are highly efficient, which can significantly decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re contemplating investing in a new heating system, call the pros at Central Heating & Plumbing. We’re noted for skilled furnace installation in New Castle and will help you pick a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 724-401-1843 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!