As winter gets closer and the temperature falls, finding ways to save money on your heating bills becomes a top priority. One of the simplest strategies is adjusting your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without losing comfort.

With several options and techniques available, it's possible to reduce your heating costs while still keeping 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.

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.

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 most families cozy, but also low enough to be energy efficient.

Effective Temperature Settings While You Not at Home

The DOE states you can save as much as 10% on your home heating costs by turning down your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By doing this, you’re not wasting 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 arrive home, increase the temperature little by little. That will keep your heating system from running too hard, which could be the case if you raise the temperature on your thermostat quite high right away.

Suggested Thermostat Settings While You Are Asleep

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

Additional Ways to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

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

Evaluate your insulation levels

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

Set up a programmable thermostat

Put in a programmable thermostat to regulate the temperature in your home efficiently. Set lower temperatures when you're not home or asleep and increase them only when necessary.

For even more savings, install a smart thermostat that can detect when you are in or out and modify the temperature correctly. To learn more about these products or for smart thermostat installation in West Allis & Milwaukee area, contact the skilled technicians at Done Right Air. We can tell you how smart thermostats can improve your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Schedule furnace maintenance:

Plan regular maintenance for your HVAC system. A well-maintained heating system functions more efficiently, decreasing energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters routinely to ensure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in West Allis & Milwaukee area, call the team at Done Right Air. We will get your system in excellent working order!

Seal air leaks

Detect and fill in any air leaks in your home. Frequent places for leaks including 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 sufficient 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 need, furnace replacement may be a smart long-term decision. Modern day furnaces are very efficient, which can notably reduce your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re contemplating getting a new heating system, call the professionals at Done Right Air. We’re noted for knowledgeable furnace installation in West Allis & Milwaukee area and will help you select a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 414-208-9000 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!