As winter gets closer and the temperature drops, finding ways to save money on your energy bills becomes a top priority. One of the best techniques is changing your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without compromising comfort.

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

Overall, 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.

Ideal Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re around your home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) advises dialing 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 approximately 10% on your heating costs by decreasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. This way, 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 prolonged period of time, you can set your thermostat as low as 50 degrees. That 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, turn up the temperature slowly. That will keep your heating system from performing too hard, which it could if you raise the temperature on your thermostat very high right away.

Cost-Efficient Thermostat Settings While You Are Sleeping

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 great sleep.

More Ways to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are many 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 minimize drafts, keep warm air inside and protect against heat loss. This will limit the workload on your HVAC system and save energy.

Set up a programmable thermostat

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

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

H3: Plan furnace maintenance:

Plan regular maintenance for your heating system. A well-maintained furnace operates more efficiently, decreasing energy consumption and probably avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters regularly to assure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Lansing, call the team at Everest Heating & Cooling. We will get your system in peak condition!

Seal air leaks

Locate and seal any air leaks in your home. Frequent sites for leaks including windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Plugging these gaps prevents warm air from seeping out, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfortable 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 want, furnace replacement may be a smart long-term option. Modern furnaces are very efficient, which can notably lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re interested in investing in a new heating system, contact the pros at Everest Heating & Cooling. We’re recognized for knowledgeable furnace installation in Lansing and will help you find a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 913-845-9463 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!