As winter draws near and the temperature falls, finding ways to save money on your heating bills becomes a top priority. One of the most effective strategies is modifying your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without losing comfort.

With numerous options and techniques available, you can lower your heating costs while still trying to keep 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 perfect balance between warmth and savings.

In general, a good rule is the lower the temperature within 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 your monthly energy costs.

Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

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

Effective Temperature Settings While You Not at Home

The DOE estimates 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 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 return to your home, raise the temperature slowly. That will keep your heating system from running too hard, which it could if you raise the temperature on your thermostat quite high right away.

Cost-Efficient Thermostat Settings While You Are in Bed for The Night

The good news about sleep-time thermostat settings in the winter is that people generally sleep well when it’s a little colder. The National Sleep Foundation states somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the ideal temperature range for great sleep.

More Techniques to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

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

Check your insulation levels

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

Set up a programmable thermostat

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

For even more savings, buy a smart thermostat that can sense when you are in or out and adjust the temperature appropriately. To learn more about these devices or for smart thermostat installation in Hodgenville, contact the skilled technicians at Phelps Heating & Cooling, Inc.. We can explain how smart thermostats can help your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Plan furnace maintenance:

Schedule regular maintenance for your heating and cooling system. A well-maintained furnace operates more efficiently, decreasing energy consumption and probably avoiding costly repairs. Clean or replace air filters routinely to make sure your unit has proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Hodgenville, call the team at Phelps Heating & Cooling, Inc.. Our trained technicians will get your system in top shape!

Seal air leaks

Locate and close off any air leaks in your home. Common places for leaks tend to be windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Plugging these gaps prevents warm air from escaping, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfy temperature.

Upgrade 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 an ideal long-term solution. Today’s furnaces are highly efficient, which can notably decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re interested in upgrading to a new heating system, phone the professionals at Phelps Heating & Cooling, Inc.. We’re noted for experienced 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 free, no-obligation estimate!