According to Energy.gov, there are a few simple thermostat strategies you can use to significantly reduce your heating and cooling costs. By maintaining an even temperature when you are home, then allowing the temperature to go higher or lower when you are away from the home or asleep, you can save money and reduce your energy usage throughout the year. Applying this strategy is easy to do, especially if you have a programmable thermostat.
Winter Thermostat Settings
For the colder months, you should keep the thermostat in your home set at 68 degrees Fahrenheit or lower when you are at home and awake. Depending on your family and schedule, this may only be in the mornings, late afternoons and evenings. During times when the home is empty or everyone is in bed for the night, lower the temperature at least 10 degrees.
Summer Thermostat Settings
During the summer, your at-home temperature setting should be set at 78 degrees or higher to keep energy bills low. Once again, during the sleeping hours or when you are away from home, set the thermostat at least 10 degrees higher or turn off your air conditioning altogether to save on energy.
Programmable Thermostats
The easiest way to accomplish these setting changes is to invest in a programmable thermostat. Set your thermostat to automatically change the temperature at your family’s regular bed and work or school times. By lowering or increasing the temperature at least 10 degrees for 8 hours a day, you can save up to 15% off your heating and cooling costs each year! Talk to your local HVAC service professional about installing a programmable thermostat to make maintaining these temperature settings easier.
Posted on behalf of James Smith, ClimateSmith LLC
