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

With numerous options and techniques available, you can reduce your heating costs while still trying to keep 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.

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 outside temperature, the more money you will save on your monthly energy costs.

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 most families comfortable, but also low enough to be energy efficient.

Effective Temperature Settings While You Going to Be Out of Your Home

The DOE reports you can save up to 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.

Authorities say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone an extended 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 get back to your house, turn up the temperature little by little. That will keep your heating system from running too hard, which could be the case if you raise the temperature on your thermostat really 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 says somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the ideal temperature range for quality sleep.

Additional Techniques 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:

Evaluate your insulation levels

Insulate doors, windows and walls to minimize drafts, keep warm air inside and protect against heat loss. This will decrease the workload on your HVAC system and save energy.

Buy a programmable thermostat

Install a programmable thermostat to control the temperature in your home conveniently. Set lower temperatures when you're not home or asleep and increase them only when needed.

For even more savings, install a smart thermostat that can sense when you are in or out and change the temperature appropriately. To learn more about these gadgets or for smart thermostat installation in Holdrege, get a hold of the skilled technicians at Durable Service. We can explain how smart thermostats can improve your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Arrange furnace maintenance:

Plan to hire someone to do regular maintenance for your heating system. A well-maintained furnace functions more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters regularly to make sure your unit has proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Holdrege, call the team at Durable Service. Our specialists will get your system in excellent working order!

Seal air leaks

Locate and seal any air leaks in your home. Common places for leaks tend to be windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps prevents warm air from seeping out, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfy temperature.

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

If you’re interested in upgrading to a new heating system, call the specialists at Durable Service. We’re recognized for knowledgeable furnace installation in Holdrege and will help you pick a unit that’s ideal for your home! Call 308-995-8177 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!