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

With many options and techniques available, homeowners can lower your heating costs while still making your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Irrespective of whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are several ways to find the appropriate balance between warmth and savings.

As a whole, a good guideline is the lower the temperature within 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) recommends dialing your thermostat to between 68°F and 70°F in the winter. That’s warm enough to keep the majority of families comfy, but also low enough to be energy efficient.

Effective Temperature Settings While You Not at Home

The DOE reports you can save as much as 10% on your energy costs by turning down your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. This way, 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 an extended period of time, you can adjust your thermostat as low as 50 degrees. Doing this will keep your furnace running so you don’t have any frozen or burst pipes waiting for you when you get home.

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

Recommended 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 states somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the best temperature range for good sleep.

Additional Tactics to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are several other ways 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 reduce drafts, keep warm air inside and protect against heat loss. This will decrease the pressure on your HVAC system and save energy.

Buy a programmable thermostat

Purchase a programmable thermostat to regulate the temperature in your home efficiently. Set lower temperatures when you're away or asleep and increase them only when required.

For even more savings, purchase a smart thermostat that can detect when you are in or out and change the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these devices or for smart thermostat installation in Port Clinton, get a hold of the skilled technicians at Ohler & Holzhauer Inc.. We can tell you how smart thermostats can benefit your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Plan furnace maintenance:

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

For furnace maintenance in Port Clinton, call the team at Ohler & Holzhauer Inc.. Our trained technicians will get your system in top shape!

Seal air leaks

Locate and seal any air leaks in your home. Typical sites for leaks tend to be windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps blocks warm air from leaking out of your home, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a sufficient temperature.

Upgrade your HVAC system

If your furnace is old, inefficient or just isn’t able to keep your home as warm as you desire, furnace replacement may be a good long-term solution. Contemporary furnaces are extremely efficient, which can significantly decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re thinking about investing in a new heating system, contact the specialists at Ohler & Holzhauer Inc.. We’re known for knowledgeable furnace installation in Port Clinton and will help you choose a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 419-465-8722 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!