How Can Setting My Thermostat Help Save Money?
How Can Setting My Thermostat Help Save Money?
Most American families spend a lot of money every year to keep the home comfortable. A significant chunk of the expense is their cooling and heating costs. But do you know that by setting your thermostat, you can reduce energy consumption and save money – that too without compromising the comfort of your family?
In fact, according to the US Department of Energy, adjusting the thermostat by 7-10 degrees every day before you leave for work can reduce your energy bills by up to 10%. Here’s everything you should know about thermostat setting and energy savings.
Thermostat Setting in Summer
72°-73°F is generally a comfortable indoor temperature during summer. Remember that the lower the gap between indoor and outdoor temperature, the lower will be the cooling cost.
Home
During the day, when the outdoor temperature is not too cold, keep the thermostat at 68°-70°F. You can also consider window treatments such as plantation shutters or honeycomb shades that are energy efficient. As mentioned above, try to reduce the gap between indoor and outdoor temperature to trim the energy costs.
Away
Why keep the air conditioner on when you’re at work? So, adjusting the thermostat setting to 88°-90°F before leaving for work is recommended. Also, after you return home, don’t reduce the temperature all the way to 78°F. It won’t cool the home faster but will increase the energy consumption.
Sleeping
Adjust the thermostat to 60°-65°F during the winter months while sleeping, to keep the indoors comfortable.
Thermostat Setting in Winter
68°-70°F is the ideal indoor temperature during winter to reduce energy consumption while still keeping the home comfortable.
Home
During the day, when the outdoor temperature is not too cold, keep the thermostat at 68°-70°F. You can also consider window treatments such as plantation shutters or honeycomb shades that are energy efficient. As mentioned above, try to reduce the gap between indoor and outdoor temperature to trim the energy costs.
Away
A thermostat in homes with no pets can be kept at 50°F when you’re away from your home extended weeks, such as during a vacation. It’ll keep the furnace running to prevent the risk of frozen pipes. After returning, avoid cranking up the furnace temperature to 68°-70°F as it won’t make your home warmer faster but put a lot of strain on the furnace and shoot up energy consumption.
Sleeping
Adjust the thermostat to 60°-65°F during the winter months while sleeping, to keep the indoors comfortable.
Using the Thermostat to Reduce Your Energy Costs
As you can see, you can effectively reduce your energy consumption and save money by correctly adjusting the thermostat setting. So, take advantage of this information to start saving energy from today.
You can also consider investing in a smart thermostat that can learn about your temperature preferences and routine to adjust the temperature automatically.
A Word of Caution
Make sure to note that, although we discussed large adjustments in thermostat temperature settings while you’re away at work, it may not be comfortable for you to do so. Depending on the outdoor temperature and humidity, it can take up too many hours for your HVAC system to get back to your comfortable temperature. It is recommended that you start with a smaller temperature gap for daytime vs nighttime, closer to 3-4 degrees. If you’re still comfortable, adjust it 1 more degree every week or so, until you’re not happy with it. Extreme changes in the indoor temperature will not only make you uncomfortable, but will make your system work harder, defeating the purpose of saving money with your thermostat.
When there are extreme cold or extreme hot and/or humid conditions, your HVAC system is not designed to keep up. Setting the temperature higher or lower, while you’re away at work, will be harder on your system than leaving it steady, when these extreme temperatures occur outside.
To discuss further, reach out to your trusted HVAC professional, Beeson Mechanical Service, at 317-535-9338.