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IT MIGHT be easier than you think to keep heating costs low this winter, so long as your thermostat is set to a specific temperature.
The money-saving move can reduce energy bills considerably, so long as you follow a crucial requirement.
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First, it’s best to understand that keeping warm during the cooler month can be affordable; it isn’t just about your thermostat.
Wearing an outer layer of clothing, bundling up with blankets, and even getting a portable battery-powered heater could help do the trick.
At some point, it’ll still come time to head for the thermostat, especially for Americans who live in a particularly cold climate.
Before you do, experts like Julian Picard, the owner of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) company Centerline Mechanical, want to remind residents that there’s more to consider with their thermostats.
Read More on Energy Bills
“It’s more than just a number on the wall,” he told CNET recently.
Even the US Department of Energy (DOE) has reminded Americans to consider the temperature they leave their thermostat closely in the winter, as there’s a certain number that could keep costs down.
That number would be 68 (degrees Fahrenheit), the ideal at-home temperature, according to the department.
Setting it higher would reduce the efficiency of the system, as it would have to work more to provide that temperature given the outside conditions, leading to higher energy costs.
ADJUST AS NEEDED
Still, 68 degrees isn’t set in stone, as the weather changes outside, you should adjust.
The rule of thumb from the Department of Energy is always keeping the thermostat “7 to 10 degrees” below the normal setting for eight hours each day.
In most cases, that’s 68 degrees.
Doing so would save Americans around 10% annually on energy bills.
Picard also suggested decreasing the thermostat temperature by four or more degrees in the winter when away from your living space or during the night while speaking with CNET.
That typically falls around the 60 to 65-degree range.
Thermostat Ranges Winter vs. Summer
- Winter
- At Home: 68 degrees
- Away/Asleep: 60 to 65 degrees
- Variable depending but always seven to 10 lower than normal setting
- Summer
- At Home: 78 degrees
- Away: 85 degrees
- Asleep: 82 degrees
- Variable depending but always seven to 10 degrees higher than setting
Credit: US Department of Energy
He also advised that residents get familiar with the HVAC system, as they have to understand whether or not it’s right for the space.
If the temperature during the winter never gets to the desired warmth, it’s probably not right for the home or apartment.
SUMMER SAVINGS
Similar tips are also recommended for the summertime with air conditioning.
Since most air conditioners can only cool down a living space a maximum of 15 to 20 degrees, turning it any cooler would just thrust it into overdrive and cost you more without the desired result.
The Department of Energy advises an average temperature of 78 at home during the day during the summer and 85 when away.
A temperature of 80 for sleeping was also listed by the Department of Energy in the summer strictly for cost-saving purposes.
Be careful with that one, though, as if there’s any time to turn on air conditioning, it’s during sleep.
A healthy temperature range for sleep is between 65 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit, per the Sleep Foundation.
Walmart is also selling a top-rated heating gadget for under $10 this year to help save on energy bills.
The retail giant also slashed the price of another heating gadget with multiple uses to $26.99.
