As winter approaches and the temperature dips, finding ways to save money on your power bills becomes a top priority. One of the best techniques is modifying 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. Irrespective of whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are several ways to find the perfect balance between warmth and savings.

In general, a good guideline is the lower the temperature inside 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 heating.

Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re at home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) suggests putting your thermostat to between 68°F and 70°F in the winter. That’s warm enough to keep lots of families comfortable, but also low enough to be energy efficient.

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

The DOE states you can save approximately 10% on your home heating costs by turning down your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. This way, you’re not needlessly spending 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 adjust 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 performing too hard, which could happen if you raise the temperature on your thermostat really high right away.

Recommended Thermostat Settings While You Are Asleep

The nice thing 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 Methods to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

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

Examine your insulation levels

Insulate doors, windows and walls to reduce drafts, keep warm air inside and prevent heat loss. This will minimize the pressure on your furnace and save energy.

Buy a programmable thermostat

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

For even more savings, set up 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 Greater Richmond, consult with the skilled technicians at Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling. We can explain how smart thermostats can help your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Plan furnace maintenance:

Plan regular maintenance for your heating system. A well-maintained furnace functions more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and probably avoiding costly repairs. Clean or replace air filters routinely to make sure your unit has proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Greater Richmond, call the team at Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling. We will get your system in peak condition!

Seal air leaks

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

Improve 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 option. Contemporary furnaces are highly efficient, which can dramatically lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re considering getting a new heating system, call the professionals at Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling. We’re recognized for knowledgeable furnace installation in Greater Richmond and will help you pick a unit that’s well suited for your home! Call 804-302-6657 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!