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

With numerous options and techniques available, you can decrease your heating costs while still trying to keep 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 of thumb 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.

Ideal Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re going to be 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 Going to Be Out of Your Home

The DOE estimates you can save as much as 10% on your HVAC costs by decreasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. That way, 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 a prolonged period of time, you can set your thermostat as low as 50 degrees. That 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, raise 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 quite high right away.

Recommended Thermostat Settings While You Are Asleep

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 reports somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the optimal temperature range for good sleep.

Other Tactics to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

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

Examine your insulation levels

Insulate doors, windows and walls to reduce 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 regulate the temperature in your home effortlessly. Set lower temperatures when you're not 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 modify the temperature correctly. To learn more about these devices or for smart thermostat installation in Hodgenville, contact the skilled technicians at Phelps Heating & Cooling, Inc.. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can benefit your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Arrange furnace maintenance:

Plan regular maintenance for your heating system. A well-maintained heating system runs more efficiently, decreasing energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters on a regular basis to assure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Hodgenville, call the team at Phelps Heating & Cooling, Inc.. We will get your system in excellent working order!

Seal air leaks

Locate and fill in any air leaks in your home. Typical sites for leaks tend to be windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing these gaps prevents warm air from seeping out, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a sufficient temperature.

Update 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 decision. Contemporary furnaces are very efficient, which can significantly decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re interested in investing in a new heating system, call the professionals at Phelps Heating & Cooling, Inc.. We’re known for knowledgeable furnace installation in Hodgenville and will help you find a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 270-358-3167 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!