Save money on your AC bill this summer by setting it to this temperature

It’s not an easy task, trying to stay cool during the hot summer heat. Your thermostat is getting a workout as it constantly changes the temperature inside. It might be tempting to keep turning it down, but you’re costing yourself extra money every time you do. As it turns out, there is a sweet spot when it comes to setting the temperature just right for the warmer and colder months. If you want to significantly lower your electric bills, you will have to find it.

While gas and electricity prices are relatively lower this year, wild temperature swings can lead to extra costs on your monthly heating bill. If you’re looking to save money on your utility bills, one action you can take is to set your own thermostat at the right temperature.

Below, we will describe the best temperature to set your smart thermostat to save energy in summer and winter. We’ll explain why it works to more efficiently manage your home’s climate and share some bonus thermostat tricks and heating habits to reduce your overall usage.

If you’re looking for more energy savings year-round, check out how turning off the lights can save you money and how weather stripping can contain heat for under $10.

There is an optimum temperature to set your thermostat for summer

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the best technique to stay cool but minimize utility costs during the summer is to keep your home warmer than usual when no one is home and then set the temperature as low as possible. as high as possible when you are at home. Energy Star, a program of the US Environmental Protection Agency and the US Department of Energy, suggested that homes be kept at 78 degrees Fahrenheit when indoors during the day.

He also suggests setting the thermostat to 82 degrees Fahrenheit when sleeping and 85 degrees Fahrenheit when outside for maximum savings; recommendations that were met with disdain and disbelief on social media.

If setting your thermostat somewhere in the 80s sounds too warm, then a good rule of thumb to follow is to turn your thermostat back 7 to 10 degrees from its normal setting for eight hours a day, so you can save up to in 10% year.

Read more: You can actually save money by using electricity at these specific times

This is the best temperature to set your thermostat for the winter

According to the US Department of Energy, it’s best to keep the thermostat at 68 degrees Fahrenheit for most of the day during the winter season. For maximum efficiency, you should also schedule eight hours a day during which you lower the temperature by 7 to 10 degrees. By following this routine, you can be fit again reduce annual energy costs up to 10%.

Depending on your schedule and comfort preferences, you can decide whether you prefer to keep your home cooler during the day or at night. Some people prefer to turn down the heat at night when they can snuggle up under a blanket and won’t notice the colder conditions. Plus, sleeping in cooler temperatures may be associated with more restful sleep.

For others, it may make more sense to lower the thermostat during the day when they are at work. Once you are home, you can raise the temperature to a more comfortable level.

Why setting your thermostat is important

In summer

A common misconception is that setting your air conditioner to a lower than normal temperature will cool your home faster. An air conditioner will only cool your home 15 to 20 degrees colder than outside; any other setting will not cool your home more and will result in unnecessarily high costs.

Plus, a higher indoor temperature setting in the summer will slow the flow of heat into your home, which results in energy and money savings.

In winter

What makes 68 degrees Fahrenheit the best temperature for winter? It’s on the lower end of comfortable indoor temperatures for some people, but there’s a good reason to keep your home cooler during the winter. When your home is set to a lower temperature, it will lose heat more slowly than if the temperature were higher. In other words, keeping your home at a cooler indoor temperature will help it retain heat longer and reduce the amount of energy needed to keep the home comfortable. As a result, you will save energy and money.

How to position your thermostat for maximum efficiency

In addition to following these temperature recommendations, you can maximize energy efficiency by installing the thermostat in the right place. It’s best to position your thermostat away from drafty areas (near vents, doors, or windows) and away from direct sunlight, as these factors can trigger your thermostat unnecessarily. Instead, place it on an interior wall in a well-used area of ​​your home.

Do you have a heat pump? Keep this in mind

Bumping your thermostat several times a day isn’t ideal, so it’s best to have one smart thermostat or programmable thermostat that allows you to set a schedule and automate temperature changes.

Some smart and programmable thermostats do not work well heat pumps (a furnace and AC alternative). If you have a heat pump system, ask your HVAC specialist about purchasing a specific type of thermostat that is designed for use with your system.

Other ways to reduce energy costs

If you are frustrated with high utility bills, you may be interested in switching to green energy such as SOLAR power. With solar panels, you can generate your own energy, reducing your energy costs and reliance on the public grid. They are an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional energy sources, providing clean energy throughout the year (including in winter) for home, business or The vehicle.

After all

Being smart about your thermostat settings can make a real difference in your energy consumption throughout the year. By lowering your home’s temperature to 68 degrees Fahrenheit and below in the winter and around 78 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer, you can save energy and lower your energy bills for good.