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

With several 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 ideal 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 outdoor temperature, the more money you will save on heating.

Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

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

The DOE states you can save approximately 10% on your energy costs by lowering your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. By using this method, you’re not wasting money heating your home while you’re not there.

Experts say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone an extended period of time, you can put 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 return to your home, raise the temperature slowly. 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.

Recommended Thermostat Settings While You Are Sleeping

The nice thing 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 optimal temperature range for great sleep.

Additional 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:

Evaluate your insulation levels

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

Install a programmable thermostat

Purchase a programmable thermostat to control the temperature in your home conveniently. Set lower temperatures when you're out of your home 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 adjust the temperature appropriately. To learn more about these devices or for smart thermostat installation in Shamokin and Sunbury, get a hold of the skilled technicians at LTS Plumbing & Heating Inc.. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can help your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Arrange furnace maintenance:

Plan regular maintenance for your HVAC system. A well-maintained furnace operates more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and possibly avoiding costly repairs. Clean or replace air filters regularly to assure proper airflow.

For furnace maintenance in Shamokin and Sunbury, call the team at LTS Plumbing & Heating Inc.. Our specialists will get your system in top shape!

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 stops warm air from leaking out of your home, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfortable temperature.

Upgrade your HVAC system

If your furnace is old, inefficient or just isn’t able to keep your home as warm as you desire, furnace replacement may be an ideal long-term option. Modern furnaces are highly efficient, which can dramatically reduce your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re contemplating upgrading to a new heating system, call the specialists at LTS Plumbing & Heating Inc.. We’re known for skilled furnace installation in Shamokin and Sunbury and will help you find a unit that’s well suited for your home! Call 570-648-0748 today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation estimate!