If the dads of the world were writing this article, it would be a short and easy read: Put on a sweater and turn the thermostat way down, as close to “off” as possible. For many of us, however, embracing such a spartan lifestyle simply isn’t how we wish to spend our time at home.…
Remembering just a couple of numbers will go a long way in making your home comfortable and cost-effective, all year long.
Money-Saving Thermostat Settings for Summer
Whether you’re in a sticky, humid climate or a dry, dusty desert, the summer months likely come with high temperatures wherever you live. An air conditioner can help keep the internal temperature of your home closer to your comfort level. In the summer, it’s recommended that your thermostat be set to 78 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. Raising it by seven to 10 degrees for eight hours a day can reduce your cooling bill by as much as 10%. Try to incorporate an eight-hour stretch where the temperature rests at 85 to 88 degrees Fahrenheit once per day. You can do this without sacrificing comfort by adjusting the dial while you’re away at work or sleeping at night.
Reducing Costs With the Right Winter Settings
Spending hundreds of dollars on a monthly heating bill isn’t preferred either, or even possible for some households, but most people don’t want to spend their evenings at home bundled up in layers and blankets. To keep your home comfortable on a budget, set your winter thermostat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. To cut your heating bill by 10%, turn the dial to about 60 degrees Fahrenheit while you’re sleeping or away for more than four hours at a time.
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To Keep Running, or Not To Keep Running?
This is an age-old question and a subject of much debate. Some argue that maintaining a consistent thermostat temperature will lower your bill in the long run because your HVAC system won’t have to work as hard to heat up or cool down after the temperature has fluctuated. Others say turning it off while you’re away is more cost-effective since you won’t be running your system while no one’s home to feel it. According to Pacific Gas & Electric, the latter point is correct: The only thing that will cause a spike in your bill after you’ve returned home from a day out is adjusting the thermostat to a much colder or warmer setting than usual.
Other Tips for Lowering Your Energy Bill
Does sleeping in an 88-degree bedroom sound like a recipe for a sweaty night? You can make simple changes around the house to keep things comfortable and energy-efficient without touching the thermostat.
Window Maintenance
Our top recommendation is to properly maintain your windows. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, windows can account for a whopping 30% of home heating and cooling energy loss. Seal gaps and cracks around your window frames with caulk, spray foam, or weather sealing tape. Consider upgrading single-pane windows (especially those with metal or aluminum frames) to double- or triple-pane windows with energy-efficient features such as low-emissivity (low-E) coatings or gas fills.
Window Treatments
For a quick, easy way to lower your bill, use window treatments strategically. They’re not just for decoration and privacy; they also can help manage heating and cooling costs. If you have a window that sunlight pours into, draw the shades during summer days to prevent your home from heating up. In the winter, do the opposite, and take advantage of any available sunlight to naturally warm your home at no extra cost. You can also swap out your regular curtains for thermal ones; these are made of thicker material, adding another layer of protection during the colder months.
Window Coverings
Film coverings can eliminate or drastically reduce wintery drafts that may be lowering your home’s temperature. What’s more, the trapped air between the film and window provides additional insulation. When the summer sun beats down, cover windows with reflective insulation to block solar radiation and keep rooms nice and cool.
Fans
Fans can carry a lot of cooling weight in the summer, especially if the outside temperature dips enough to crack a window while you sleep. Ceiling and portable fans consume significantly less energy than AC units — in fact, their electricity usage is estimated to be only about 1% of what a typical air conditioner requires. However, fans cannot lower humidity or room temperature; for that, you’ll need to switch on the AC.
