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

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

As a whole, 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 outdoor temperature, the more money you will save on your HVAC bills.

Money-Saving 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 comfy, but also low enough to be energy efficient.

Effective Temperature Settings While You Are Away

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

Authorities say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone a long period of time, you can adjust your thermostat as low as 50 degrees. Doing this 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 arrive home, increase the temperature bit by bit. That will keep your heating system from performing too hard, which it could if you raise the temperature on your thermostat quite high right away.

Recommended Thermostat Settings While You Are Sleeping

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 says somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the best temperature range for quality sleep.

Additional Tactics to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

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

Examine 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 pressure on your HVAC system and save energy.

Set up a programmable thermostat

Purchase a programmable thermostat to control the temperature in your home efficiently. Set lower temperatures when you're away or asleep and increase them only when needed.

For even more savings, install a smart thermostat that can perceive when you are in or out and adjust the temperature correctly. To learn more about these gadgets or for smart thermostat installation in Kankakee, get a hold of the skilled technicians at Home Furniture, Plumbing & Heating. We can explain how smart thermostats can benefit your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Arrange furnace maintenance:

Plan to hire someone to do regular maintenance for your heating system. A well-maintained system runs more efficiently, decreasing energy consumption and probably avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters routinely to ensure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Kankakee, call the team at Home Furniture, Plumbing & Heating. Our trained technicians will get your system in top shape!

Seal air leaks

Locate and close off any air leaks in your home. Frequent sites for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Plugging these gaps stops warm air from leaking out of your home, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfortable temperature.

Improve your HVAC system

If your HVAC equipment is old, inefficient or just isn’t able to keep your home as warm as you desire, furnace replacement may be a good long-term option. Contemporary furnaces are extremely efficient, which can significantly lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re contemplating investing in a new heating system, contact the specialists at Home Furniture, Plumbing & Heating. We’re noted for experienced furnace installation in Kankakee and will help you choose a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 815-933-8213 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!