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 ways is adjusting your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without compromising comfort.

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

As a whole, a good guideline is the lower the temperature inside your home and the less difference there is between the air inside your home and the outdoor temperature, the more money you will save on your HVAC bills.

Best 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 lots of families comfortable, but also low enough to be energy efficient.

Effective Temperature Settings While You Not at Home

The DOE states you can save approximately 10% on your heating costs by lowering your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By doing this, 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 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 arrive home, increase the temperature slowly. That will keep your heating system from running too hard, which it could if you raise the temperature on your thermostat very high right away.

Recommended Thermostat Settings While You Are in Bed for The Night

The great news 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 optimal temperature range for good sleep.

Additional Techniques to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

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

Check your insulation levels

Insulate doors, windows and walls to cut down on drafts, keep warm air inside and avoid heat loss. This will limit the stress 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, buy a smart thermostat that can detect when you are in or out and modify the temperature appropriately. To learn more about these products or for smart thermostat installation in Michigan City, consult with the skilled technicians at Paniccia Heating & Cooling. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can help your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Arrange furnace maintenance:

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

For furnace maintenance in Michigan City, call the team at Paniccia Heating & Cooling. Our trained technicians will get your system in excellent working order!

Seal air leaks

Locate and seal any air leaks in your home. Frequent places for leaks including windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing these gaps stops warm air from leaking out of your home, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfy 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 need, furnace replacement may be a good long-term decision. Modern day furnaces are highly efficient, which can considerably reduce your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re considering investing in a new heating system, phone the professionals at Paniccia Heating & Cooling. We’re recognized for knowledgeable furnace installation in Michigan City and will help you pick a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 219-872-2198 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!