Setting your thermostat to an energy-efficient temperature can lead to significant savings on your energy bills while also reducing your environmental footprint. Adjusting your thermostat is a simple behavioral change that can make a big difference in energy consumption. Here are three practical examples to inspire you to take action!
After a long day, you want to unwind in a comfortable home, but did you know you can do that while saving energy? Setting your thermostat lower at night can help you save on heating costs.
Consider this: Before you go to bed, set your thermostat to 60°F (15°C) instead of the typical 68°F (20°C). You can add extra blankets or use a warm comforter to stay cozy while the temperature lowers. This small adjustment can lead to substantial energy savings, especially during the winter months when heating costs can skyrocket.
Note: If you have pets or certain health conditions, ensure they are comfortable with the lower temperature. You can also use a programmable thermostat to automate this setting.
If you’re away from home during the day, there’s no need to keep your thermostat at a comfortable level. Instead, consider setting it to an energy-efficient temperature while you’re at work.
For instance, if you typically keep your home at 70°F (21°C) during the day, try lowering it to 62°F (17°C) while you’re at work. This doesn’t mean you’ll come home to a freezing house; it simply means you’ll save energy by reducing your heating needs during the hours when no one is home. You can program your thermostat to warm up the house before you return, ensuring comfort without wasting energy.
Note: If you have a smart thermostat, you can control it remotely, allowing you to adjust the temperature based on your schedule.
For example, when cooler weather arrives, set your thermostat to 68°F (20°C) during the day and 65°F (18°C) at night. This adjustment not only keeps your home comfortable but also helps reduce heating costs. In the spring and summer, flip the script: set your thermostat to 78°F (26°C) when you are home and increase it to 82°F (28°C) when you leave. This method of adjusting based on the season can lead to effective energy savings.
Note: Use fans to circulate air when it’s warmer, and keep windows open during cooler evenings to maintain comfort without cranking up the air conditioning.