As winter approaches and the temperature falls, finding ways to save money on your heating bills becomes a top priority. One of the best tips is modifying your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without sacrificing comfort.

With several options and techniques available, it's possible to 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 several ways to find the ideal balance between warmth and savings.

In general, a good guideline is the lower the temperature in your home and the less difference there is between the air inside your home and the exterior 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) suggests 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 Going to Be Out of Your Home

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

Authorities say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone a prolonged period of time, you can adjust 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 waiting for you when you get home.

When you get back to your house, turn up the temperature little by little. That will keep your heating system from working too hard, which could happen if you raise the temperature on your thermostat quite high right away.

Cost-Efficient Thermostat Settings While You Are Sleeping

The great 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 suggests somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the ideal temperature range for good sleep.

Other Techniques to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

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

Evaluate 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 stress on your heating equipment and save energy.

Install a programmable thermostat

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

For even more savings, buy a smart thermostat that can detect when you are in or out and modify the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these devices or for smart thermostat installation in Milwaukee, get a hold of the skilled technicians at Done Right Air. We can tell you how smart thermostats can improve your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Arrange furnace maintenance:

Schedule regular maintenance for your heating system. A well-maintained heating system runs more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters on a regular basis to make sure your unit has proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Milwaukee, call the team at Done Right Air. Our specialists will get your system in excellent working order!

Seal air leaks

Detect and seal any air leaks in your home. Frequent sites for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Plugging these gaps stops warm air from escaping, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a sufficient temperature.

Improve your HVAC system

If your heating system is old, inefficient or just isn’t able to keep your home as warm as you want, furnace replacement may be an ideal long-term option. Modern day furnaces are very efficient, which can notably lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re considering getting a new heating system, contact the professionals at Done Right Air. We’re recognized for knowledgeable furnace installation in Milwaukee and will help you find a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 414-207-4034 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!