As winter gets closer and the temperature falls, finding ways to save money on your power bills becomes a top priority. One of the most effective techniques is adjusting your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without sacrificing comfort.

With multiple options and techniques available, homeowners can decrease your heating costs while still trying to keep your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are plenty of ways to find the perfect balance between warmth and savings.

In general, 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 monthly energy costs.

Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

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

Effective Temperature Settings While You Not at Home

The DOE reports you can save approximately 10% on your heating costs by lowering your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By using this method, you’re not wasting 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 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 while you are away.

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

Suggested Thermostat Settings While You Are Asleep

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 reports somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the optimal temperature range for good sleep.

Additional Tactics to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

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

Examine your insulation levels

Insulate doors, windows and walls to reduce drafts, keep warm air inside and counter heat loss. This will decrease the stress on your heating equipment and save energy.

Set up a programmable thermostat

Install a programmable thermostat to control the temperature in your home conveniently. Set lower temperatures when you're not home or asleep and increase them only when needed.

For even more savings, buy a smart thermostat that can perceive when you are in or out and change the temperature correctly. To learn more about these systems or for smart thermostat installation in Goshen, contact the skilled technicians at Just Right Heating and Cooling. We can explain how smart thermostats can improve your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Plan furnace maintenance:

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

For furnace maintenance in Goshen, call the team at Just Right Heating and Cooling. Our specialists will get your system in excellent working order!

Seal air leaks

Detect and close off any air leaks in your home. Frequent places for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing these gaps blocks warm air from seeping out, 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 a smart long-term solution. Modern furnaces are very efficient, which can notably decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re considering investing in a new heating system, contact the pros at Just Right Heating and Cooling. We’re known for skilled furnace installation in Goshen and will help you choose a unit that’s well suited for your home! Call 513-935-3804 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!