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

With numerous options and techniques available, you can decrease 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 many ways to find the appropriate balance between warmth and savings.

Overall, a good guideline is the lower the temperature within 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.

Money-Saving Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

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

Effective Temperature Settings While You Are Away

The DOE states you can save as much as 10% on your heating costs by turning down your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By using this method, you’re not needlessly spending 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 put 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 cause damage to your home while you're gone.

When you return to your home, turn up the temperature bit by bit. That will keep your heating system from running too hard, which it could if you raise the temperature on your thermostat really high right away.

Suggested 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 says somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the optimal temperature range for great sleep.

Additional Techniques to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

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

Check your insulation levels

Insulate doors, windows and walls to reduce drafts, keep warm air inside and protect against heat loss. This will limit the workload on your HVAC system and save energy.

Set up a programmable thermostat

Install a programmable thermostat to manage the temperature in your home efficiently. 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 sense when you are in or out and modify the temperature correctly. To learn more about these systems or for smart thermostat installation in Wisconsin Rapids, get a hold of the skilled technicians at Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc. We can explain how smart thermostats can improve your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Arrange furnace maintenance:

Plan regular maintenance for your HVAC system. A well-maintained system runs more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and probably avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters regularly to assure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Wisconsin Rapids, call the team at Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc. Our specialists will get your system in top shape!

Seal air leaks

Locate and close off any air leaks in your home. Common spots for leaks including 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 heating system is old, inefficient or just isn’t able to keep your home as warm as you desire, furnace replacement may be an ideal long-term decision. Contemporary furnaces are very efficient, which can notably reduce your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re thinking about upgrading to a new heating system, call the professionals at Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc. We’re noted for skilled furnace installation in Wisconsin Rapids and will help you choose a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 715-301-0256 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!