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 compromising comfort.

With multiple options and techniques available, it's possible to reduce 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 plenty of ways to find the perfect balance between warmth and savings.

As a whole, a good rule of thumb 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 monthly energy costs.

Ideal Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

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

Effective Temperature Settings While You Going to Be Out of Your Home

The DOE states you can save approximately 10% on your energy costs by turning down your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. That way, you’re not throwing away money heating your home while you’re not there.

Experts 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. That 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 little by little. That will keep your heating system from performing too hard, which could be the case if you raise the temperature on your thermostat really high right away.

Recommended Thermostat Settings While You Are Asleep

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 optimal temperature range for good sleep.

More Techniques to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are several other techniques you can use to consume less energy this winter while you heat your home. They include:

Examine your insulation levels

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

Buy a programmable thermostat

Put in 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 required.

For even more savings, install a smart thermostat that can perceive when you are in or out and change the temperature appropriately. To learn more about these systems or for smart thermostat installation in Newark, consult with the skilled technicians at Luikart Heating & Cooling. We can explain how smart thermostats can benefit your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Schedule furnace maintenance:

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

For furnace maintenance in Newark, call the team at Luikart Heating & Cooling. Our specialists will get your system in peak condition!

Seal air leaks

Locate and close off any air leaks in your home. Common spots for leaks tend to be windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing these gaps prevents warm air from leaking out of your home, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a cozy 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 a smart long-term solution. Today’s furnaces are extremely efficient, which can notably lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re interested in upgrading to a new heating system, call the pros at Luikart Heating & Cooling. We’re known for experienced furnace installation in Newark and will help you choose a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 740-344-5497 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!