Finding the perfect thermostat setting can feel like a guessing game. You want to stay comfortable without raising your energy bill. The good news? A few tweaks can keep your home cozy year-round while saving you money. We’re here to break it down and help you find the sweet spot between comfort and efficiency.
Winter
When the temperatures drop, the Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 68°F while you’re home. Lowering it at night or when you’re away can help trim your heating bill. With every degree you lower, you can save around 1% on your energy costs. Instead of cranking up the heat, cozy up with layers and blankets. Letting in sunlight during the day helps keep it warm. If you use a heat pump, keep temperature changes gradual to keep it running efficiently.
Summer
When summer heat kicks in, keeping your thermostat at 78°F while you’re home strikes a balance between comfort and savings. Raising it a few degrees when you’re out can lower cooling costs even more. Ceiling fans help make rooms feel cooler, allowing you to keep the thermostat higher. Closing blinds and curtains block heat from the sun, and avoiding baking during the hottest part of the day helps keep your home cooler. We “otterly” recommend these small adjustments for big energy savings!
Day And Night Adjustments
Making small thermostat changes throughout the day can make a big difference. At night, your body cools down, so lowering the thermostat in winter or raising it in summer can improve sleep quality and cut costs. Setting your thermostat to 60-65°F in winter at night can reduce heating expenses, while adjusting it to 72-75°F in summer prevents your AC from overworking. These simple changes add up to noticeable savings.
Smart Thermostats
A smart or programmable thermostat makes saving energy effortless. These devices adjust settings automatically, so you don’t have to think about it. Many models even learn your habits and make adjustments on their own! You can control them from an app, set schedules, and track your energy use. Installing one could lower your heating and cooling costs by up to 10% per year. Now that’s an “otterly” smart investment!
Contact Us Today!
We’re dedicated to keeping your home comfortable while helping you save. Whether you need advice on thermostat settings, a smart thermostat installation, or HVAC maintenance, our team is here to help. Give The Otter Guys a call today!
