Tips for Setting the Thermostat to Save Costs on Energy Bills

Everyone wants to save money on their energy bills, but searing summers and frigid winters can drive the costs of heating and cooling to extremes. Fortunately, there are some simple ways that homeowners can control their energy bills throughout the seasons.

Manage the Thermostat at Home and When Away 

During the summer, set the thermostat to 78 degrees. If the residence is vacant for more than four hours, consider raising it to 88 degrees. Estimates show that for every degree over 78 that an interior thermostat is set at, an energy bill drops by 6 to 8 percent. The less the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower the cooling bill.

Lower the Thermostat During Winter

During the winter months, try to keep the heater set at 68 degrees during the day. Energy.gov states that reducing a home's thermostat by 10 to 15 degrees for eight hours a day in the winter can reduce a heating bill by 5 to 15 percent a year. Plus, lower temperatures at night may be more comfortable for sleeping when appropriate winter blankets are used for warmth.

Open Up the Windows During Summer Nights

Middletown is fortunate enough to have relatively mild summer temperatures. On summer nights, turn off the air conditioning, open the windows, and lift the blinds for sleeping. In the morning, close the windows and lower the blinds to retain the cool air. Research and install window treatments recommended for increased heating and cooling efficiency. Also, make sure to apply caulk or weatherstripping around windows and doors to seal air leaks.

Don't Forget the Value of Interior Fans

Fans cool people with their wind chill effect. As a result, using a ceiling fan can enable a thermostat increase of four degrees in temperature without reducing comfort for the room's occupants. Elsewhere, always use the bathroom fan to eliminate and redistribute the warm and humid air from a bath or shower. If possible, the bathroom, kitchen, and laundry room fans should be ventilated to the outdoors.

Install a Programmable Thermostat

Programmable thermostats save money on cooling and heating bills by storing and repeating six or more temperature settings a day. These can be manually over-ridden via mobile phone apps without affecting daily or weekly programs. Homeowners can turn on their air conditioning just before returning home from work so that they come home to a comfortable environment. It's a truly customizable option.

Larson's Heating and Cooling has served the Middletown, NY area for more than 35 years. Please call us anytime at 845-344-3030 or fill out our contact form to discuss any heating and cooling services you may need, from repairs to a new install.