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

With many options and techniques available, it's possible to lower your heating costs while still making your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are several ways to find the perfect balance between warmth and savings.

Overall, a good guideline is the lower the temperature within 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.

Money-Saving Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re at home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) suggests 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 Are Away

The DOE states you can save as much as 10% on your HVAC costs by decreasing your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By using this method, you’re not throwing away 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. This will be warm enough it 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, raise the temperature slowly. That will keep your heating system from performing too hard, which could happen if you raise the temperature on your thermostat very high right away.

Recommended Thermostat Settings While You Are Sleeping

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 states somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the best temperature range for quality sleep.

Additional Methods to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

There are several other ways you can utilize to consume less energy this winter while you heat your home. They include:

Evaluate your insulation levels

Insulate doors, windows and walls to cut down on drafts, keep warm air inside and counter heat loss. This will decrease the workload on your heating equipment and save energy.

Install a programmable thermostat

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

For even more savings, buy a smart thermostat that can detect when you are in or out and modify the temperature appropriately. To learn more about these devices or for smart thermostat installation in Hudsonville, contact the skilled technicians at West Michigan Heating & Air Conditioning Services. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can benefit 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 operates more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters regularly 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 top shape!

Seal air leaks

Find and close off any air leaks in your home. Frequent spots for leaks are windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps prevents warm air from seeping out, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a sufficient temperature.

Improve your HVAC system

If your furnace is old, inefficient or just isn’t able to keep your home as warm as you need, furnace replacement may be a smart long-term solution. Contemporary furnaces are very efficient, which can dramatically reduce your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re thinking about upgrading to a new heating system, phone the professionals at West Michigan Heating & Air Conditioning Services. We’re noted for skilled furnace installation in Hudsonville and will help you choose a unit that’s perfect for your home! Call (616) 319-1436 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!