How to set your thermostat settings for energy savings
How to set your thermostat settings for energy savings
Did you know a simple change to your thermostat settings can help you see savings on your electricity bill? Adjusting your thermostat 7° to 10° from its normal setting for 8 hours daily, like when you're away or asleep, can help cut your annual heating and cooling costs by up to 10%.1 Considering heating and cooling make up nearly half of the average American household's energy bill, totaling around $900 a year, these adjustments can translate into substantial savings.2
Even with small adjustments, updating your thermostat settings can help lead to real savings over time. To help you unlock this savings potential, we've assembled energy-saving tips to help you maximize your thermostat's efficiency.
These are your traditional temperature controls. Manual thermostats require you to physically adjust the dial for every change. Programmable thermostats offer more convenience by letting you schedule temperature adjustments based on your routine, like lowering the temperature before work and raising it before you get home. However, these schedules are static and need manual updates if your routine changes.
In contrast, smart thermostats provide a dynamic, automated approach to climate control. Utilizing advanced technology, many models learn your habits, detect occupancy through sensors, and intelligently adjust heating and cooling to optimize energy usage without manual input. Plus, most smart thermostats can be controlled remotely via a smartphone app, making it easy to manage your home's temperature from anywhere.
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The best thermostat settings for energy savings can vary based on your home and local climate. However, generally speaking, in the winter, you can set your thermostat to 68° while awake and lower it when you’re asleep or away from home. In the summer, set the thermostat to 78° when you are at home and higher when you are away. How much you save on energy costs from changing thermostat settings will depend on several factors related to your home and current energy usage. Read on for some additional tips for summer and winter or visit our Summer Bill Tips and Winter Bill Tips pages.
Most smart thermostats allow you to monitor and control your home’s temperature from a smart phone or mobile device. Depending on your budget, location and lifestyle, you may want to consider purchasing a smart thermostat as a way to save money without having to think about and remember when to adjust your thermostat.
Smart thermostats offer a range of features that contribute to significant energy savings and enhanced convenience:
Taking control of your home's temperature settings is a powerful way to reduce your energy consumption and lower your utility bills. While manual adjustments and programmable schedules offer a good start, upgrading to a smart thermostat is a great step for those serious about maximizing savings with minimal effort. Its advanced features, like automated learning, remote control and energy insights, make it simple to optimize your heating and cooling year-round.
Want to make your home smarter? Check out smart home offers from Vivint and Reliant.
1 U.S. Department of Energy https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/programmable-thermostats
2 ENERGY STAR https://www.energystar.gov/products/smart_thermostats
