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

With numerous options and techniques available, you 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 many ways to find the perfect 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 HVAC bills.

Money-Saving Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re around your home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recommends setting 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 Not at Home

The DOE states you can save up to 10% on your home heating costs by turning down your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By doing this, you’re not needlessly spending 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. That 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, turn up the temperature little by little. That will keep your heating system from working too hard, which could be the case if you raise the temperature on your thermostat really 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 get good sleep 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.

More Techniques to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are a number of other approaches 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 cut down on drafts, keep warm air inside and prevent heat loss. This will limit the stress on your furnace 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 away 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 modify the temperature correctly. To learn more about these gadgets or for smart thermostat installation in Wisconsin Rapids, consult with the skilled technicians at Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can benefit your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Schedule furnace maintenance:

Schedule regular maintenance for your HVAC system. A well-maintained system runs more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and probably avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters routinely to assure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Wisconsin Rapids, call the team at Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc. We will get your system in top shape!

Seal air leaks

Detect and seal any air leaks in your home. Frequent places for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps blocks warm air from seeping out, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfy temperature.

Upgrade your HVAC system

If your heating system 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 decision. Modern day furnaces are highly efficient, which can significantly reduce your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re interested in upgrading to a new heating system, contact the specialists at Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc. We’re recognized for knowledgeable furnace installation in Wisconsin Rapids and will help you pick a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call 715-301-0256 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!