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

With multiple options and techniques available, it's possible to reduce your heating costs while still keeping your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Irrespective of whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are plenty of ways to find the appropriate balance between warmth and savings.

Overall, 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 exterior temperature, the more money you will save on your HVAC bills.

Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re at 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 lots of families comfortable, but also low enough to be energy efficient.

Effective Temperature Settings While You Not at Home

The DOE reports you can save up to 10% on your HVAC costs by turning down your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By doing this, you’re not throwing away money heating your home while you’re not there.

Authorities 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. Doing this will keep your furnace running so you don’t have any frozen or burst pipes while you are away.

When you arrive home, raise the temperature bit by bit. That will keep your heating system from working too hard, which it could if you raise the temperature on your thermostat quite high right away.

Suggested Thermostat Settings While You Are Sleeping

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 says somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the ideal temperature range for good sleep.

More Ways to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are many other ways you can utilize to 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 protect against heat loss. This will minimize 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 not home or asleep and increase them only when needed.

For even more savings, set up a smart thermostat that can detect when you are in or out and change the temperature appropriately. To learn more about these systems or for smart thermostat installation in Monroe, contact the skilled technicians at Lanz Furnace and Fireplace. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can help your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Schedule furnace maintenance:

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

For furnace maintenance in Monroe, call the team at Lanz Furnace and Fireplace. We will get your system in top shape!

Seal air leaks

Locate and seal any air leaks in your home. Common places for leaks including windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Plugging these gaps blocks warm air from escaping, 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 need, furnace replacement may be an ideal long-term decision. Modern day furnaces are extremely efficient, which can significantly lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re thinking about investing in a new heating system, phone the specialists at Lanz Furnace and Fireplace. We’re recognized for experienced furnace installation in Monroe and will help you choose a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 608-291-3606 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!