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

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

As a whole, a good rule of thumb is the lower the temperature in 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 HVAC bills.

Ideal Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re at 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 most families comfy, but also low enough to be energy efficient.

Effective Temperature Settings While You Are Away

The DOE estimates you can save as much as 10% on your heating costs by decreasing 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.

Industry professionals say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone an extended period of time, you can put your thermostat as low as 50 degrees. Doing this 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, raise the temperature gradually. That will keep your heating system from working too hard, which could be the case if you raise the temperature on your thermostat very high right away.

Suggested Thermostat Settings While You Are in Bed for The Night

The nice thing 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.

Additional Ways to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are many other techniques 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 prevent heat loss. This will decrease the pressure on your heating equipment and save energy.

Set up a programmable thermostat

Purchase a programmable thermostat to control the temperature in your home effortlessly. Set lower temperatures when you're not home 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 adjust the temperature appropriately. To learn more about these devices or for smart thermostat installation in Hudsonville, consult with the skilled technicians at West Michigan Heating & Air Conditioning Services. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can help your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Schedule furnace maintenance:

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

For furnace maintenance in Hudsonville, call the team at West Michigan Heating & Air Conditioning Services. Our specialists will get your system in excellent working order!

Seal air leaks

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

Update 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 good long-term option. Today’s furnaces are extremely efficient, which can significantly decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re interested in investing in a new heating system, contact the professionals at West Michigan Heating & Air Conditioning Services. We’re recognized for knowledgeable furnace installation in Hudsonville and will help you find a unit that’s well suited for your home! Call (616) 319-1436 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!