Struggling to stay cool this summer? Don’t overlook your thermostat settings. Adjusting your thermostat correctly can help you avoid hidden costs. There’s an ideal temperature for both summer and winter that can significantly reduce your energy bills.
Even though gas and electricity prices are lower this year, frequent temperature changes can increase your heating costs. To save on utilities, it’s important to set your thermostat to the right temperature.
We’ll cover the best temperature settings for your smart thermostat to save energy in summer and winter. Plus, we’ll share tips and habits to manage your home’s climate more efficiently and reduce your overall usage.
Best Summer Temperature Settings
The US Department of Energy recommends keeping your home warmer when you’re away and setting the thermostat as high as comfortably possible when home. Energy Star advises maintaining 78 degrees Fahrenheit during the day when home.
For maximum savings, set the thermostat to 82 degrees Fahrenheit when sleeping and 85 degrees Fahrenheit when away. These settings may seem high, but even slight increases can lead to substantial savings. If setting the thermostat to the 80s feels too warm, try raising it by 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours a day to save up to 10% annually.
Best Winter Temperature Settings
In winter, the US Department of Energy suggests setting your thermostat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. For optimal efficiency, lower the temperature by 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours daily. This practice can also reduce annual energy costs by up to 10%.
You can adjust the timing based on your schedule and comfort. Some people prefer cooler nights for better sleep, while others find it more practical to lower the temperature during the day when they’re not home.
Importance of Thermostat Settings
Summer
Many people mistakenly believe that setting the air conditioner to a very low temperature will cool their home faster. In reality, air conditioners can only cool to about 15 to 20 degrees below the outside temperature. Setting it lower won’t speed up cooling and will only increase costs. A higher indoor temperature setting in summer slows heat flow into your home, saving energy and money.
Winter
Setting your thermostat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit in winter might feel cool, but it helps your home retain heat longer. A cooler indoor temperature reduces heat loss, meaning less energy is needed to maintain comfort. This results in energy and cost savings.