As winter draws near and the temperature dips, finding ways to save money on your heating bills becomes a top priority. One of the simplest strategies is modifying your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without sacrificing comfort.

With many options and techniques available, it's possible to reduce your heating costs while still making your home cozy throughout the chilly season. 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 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 exterior temperature, the more money you will save on heating.

Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re around your 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 lots of 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 energy costs by lowering 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.

Industry professionals 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. This will be warm enough it 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 get back to your house, raise the temperature bit by bit. That will keep your heating system from performing 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 Asleep

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 quality sleep.

Additional Tactics to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are several 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.

Install a programmable thermostat

Put in a programmable thermostat to manage the temperature in your home conveniently. Set lower temperatures when you're out of your home or asleep and increase them only when needed.

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 Hudsonville, get a hold of the skilled technicians at West Michigan Heating & Air Conditioning Services. We can explain 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 heating system runs more efficiently, decreasing energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or replace air filters on a regular basis to assure 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

Find and fill in any air leaks in your home. Typical spots for leaks including windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing these gaps stops warm air from escaping, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a cozy temperature.

Upgrade your HVAC system

If your furnace 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 solution. Today’s furnaces are extremely efficient, which can significantly lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re interested in getting a new heating system, call 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 ideal for your home! Call (616) 319-1436 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!