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

With numerous options and techniques available, it's possible to decrease 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 plenty of ways to find the appropriate balance between warmth and savings.

In general, a good rule of thumb is the lower the temperature within 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.

Ideal Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

When you’re around your home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) suggests 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 reports 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 using this method, you’re not needlessly spending money heating your home while you’re not there.

Experts 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. Doing this will keep your furnace running so you don’t have any frozen or burst pipes while you are away.

When you arrive home, raise the temperature bit by bit. 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 Asleep

The great news about sleep-time thermostat settings in the winter is that people sleep better when it’s a little colder. The National Sleep Foundation says somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the ideal temperature range for good sleep.

Additional Tactics 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:

Evaluate your insulation levels

Insulate doors, windows and walls to cut down on drafts, keep warm air inside and avoid heat loss. This will limit the stress on your HVAC system and save energy.

Install a programmable thermostat

Purchase 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, install a smart thermostat that can perceive when you are in or out and change the temperature correctly. To learn more about these systems or for smart thermostat installation in Omaha, contact the skilled technicians at Interstate Heating & Air Conditioning. We can explain how smart thermostats can improve your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Arrange furnace maintenance:

Schedule regular maintenance for your heating system. A well-maintained furnace runs more efficiently, decreasing energy consumption and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Clean or exchange air filters regularly to make sure your unit has proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Omaha, call the team at Interstate Heating & Air Conditioning. Our trained technicians will get your system in top shape!

Seal air leaks

Detect and fill in any air leaks in your home. Typical places 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 comfortable temperature.

Upgrade your HVAC system

If your HVAC equipment is old, inefficient or just isn’t able to keep your home as warm as you want, furnace replacement may be a good long-term decision. Today’s furnaces are very efficient, which can significantly decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re interested in investing in a new heating system, phone the specialists at Interstate Heating & Air Conditioning. We’re known for experienced furnace installation in Omaha and will help you select a unit that’s well suited for your home! Call 402-509-5940 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!