Save money on heating, and set your thermostat to this specific temperature.
Hey, folks! Winter is in full swing, and many places in the US and Canada are experiencing some seriously chilly weather. We know the cold can relieve the oppressive summer heat, but did you know it could also jack up your heating bills by up to 17% compared to last year? Yikes!
But fear not! We have some tips to help you save energy and reduce heating costs. First off, try adjusting your thermostat before you crank up the heat. In this article, we'll explain the best way to set your smart thermostat to save energy, why it works, and some other tricks to keep your home warm and toasty without breaking the bank. Pro tip: if you want to go all out, use your ceiling fan, seal up any drafts with weather stripping, and prepare your home for the cold weather.
According to the US Department of Energy, you should aim to keep your thermostat at a cozy 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 Celsius) for most of the day during the winter. But wait, there's more! It would help if you also tried lowering the temperature by 7–10 degrees for 8 hours daily to get the most bang for your buck. If you stick to this routine, you could save up to 10% on energy costs yearly. That's like getting a 10% discount on your heating bill! Who doesn't love a good deal?
So, what's the best Temperature for Summer?
According to the US Department of Energy, raising the temperature while no one is home and lowering it to a comfortable level when someone is can help keep things under control while saving money on energy expenditures throughout the summer.
Energy Star, a program of the US Environmental Protection Agency and the US Department of Energy, suggests keeping the thermostat at 78°F (26°C) at home during the day. It also says that to save the most money, you should set the thermostat to 82°F (27.7°C) when you're sleeping and 85°F (29°C) when you're away from home. This has gotten mixed reactions on social media.
If you don't like setting your thermostat to the 80s, a good rule of thumb is to raise it by 7 to 10 degrees for 8 hours a day. This can save you up to 10% on your energy costs each year.
Choosing the Right Thermostat Settings
Winter Settings
Why is 68 F (27.7 C) the ideal temperature during the winter? Although it may be on the lower end of what some people consider acceptable indoor temperatures, there are compelling reasons to keep your home cooler in the winter. Your home will lose heat more slowly when the temperature is lower than it would if it were higher. In other words, maintaining a colder indoor temperature in your home will enable it to retain heat for a more extended time and consume less energy to maintain a suitable indoor temperature. You'll save energy and money as a result.
Summer Time
The best thermostat setting to save money during summer.
It's a frequent fallacy that lowering the temperature on your air conditioner would let your house cool down faster. However, a natural cooling effect from an air conditioner is only around 15 to 20 (5 C) degrees cooler inside than outside; any additional cooling will result in costly costs.
In the summer, a higher interior temperature setting will slow the heat flow into your home, saving you energy and money.
Where to place your thermostat for optimum performance
Maintain suggested temperature settings and place your thermostat in the proper location to maximize energy efficiency. The optimum place for your thermostat is away from draughty areas like those near vents, doors, or windows and places where it will not be exposed to direct sunlight. Place it on an internal wall in a commonly used room of your house for best results.
Points to Think About for Heat Pump Owners
A smart or programmable thermostat that enables you to set a schedule and automate temperature changes is advised, as frequent thermostat adjustments might be unpleasant.
However, heat pumps, an alternative to the furnace and AC systems, may not work with some intelligent and programmable thermostats. If you have a heat pump, talk to an HVAC expert about creating a thermostat for your system.
Alternatives for Saving Money on Energy
Consider switching to sustainable energy sources like solar power if you need help paying high energy costs. You can generate electricity for your home using solar panels, which lowers your energy expenditures and reduces your reliance on the public grid. They provide clean energy for your house, company, or car all year (including the winter), making them an eco-friendly substitute for conventional energy sources.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, paying attention to your thermostat settings can significantly impact how much energy you use all year round. Over time, you may save energy and cut your energy costs by setting the thermostat in your home to 78 F or lower in the summer and 68 F or lower in the winter.