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

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

Overall, a good rule of thumb is the lower the temperature inside 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 heating.

Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home

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

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

The DOE estimates you can save as much as 10% on your home heating costs by decreasing 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.

Authorities say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone a long 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 arrive home, increase the temperature little by little. That will keep your heating system from working too hard, which it could if you raise the temperature on your thermostat quite high right away.

Suggested Thermostat Settings While You Are Asleep

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 reports somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the best temperature range for great sleep.

More Tactics to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter

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

Examine your insulation levels

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

Buy a programmable thermostat

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

For even more savings, buy a smart thermostat that can sense when you are in or out and change the temperature accordingly. To learn more about these systems or for smart thermostat installation in Iowa City, contact the skilled technicians at Kelly Heating & Air Conditioning. We can tell you how smart thermostats can improve your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.

H3: Schedule furnace maintenance:

Plan to hire someone to do regular maintenance for your HVAC system. A well-maintained system operates 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 Iowa City, call the team at Kelly Heating & Air Conditioning. We will get your system in top shape!

Seal air leaks

Detect and close off any air leaks in your home. Common sites for leaks including windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Sealing these gaps stops warm air from escaping, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a cozy temperature.

Update your HVAC system

If your HVAC equipment 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 solution. Modern day furnaces are highly efficient, which can considerably lower your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.

If you’re thinking about upgrading to a new heating system, contact the specialists at Kelly Heating & Air Conditioning. We’re known for experienced furnace installation in Iowa City and will help you pick a unit that’s well suited for your home! Call 319-337-3520 today to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate!