Everyone may know that a thermostat controls the temperature inside the home via a heating and cooling system, but what many may not realize is that how you use it can affect not only your comfort levels indoors but how much you save on energy costs as well. In fact, according to ENERGY STAR, you can save up to 10% annually on heating and cooling by just setting your thermostat back by 7 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit from its normal setting for 8 hours in a day. If you live in an area with milder climate, you’re looking at even higher energy savings if you do this!

Whether you are controlling temperatures for the summer or winter, you want to keep the difference between temperatures inside your home and that of the outdoors as little as possible. This lessens the load on your HVAC system, which also helps keep energy costs down.

Ideal Thermostat Temperatures

During Summer – Keep your home warmer than usual when you’re away but program it at 78 degrees Fahrenheit when you’re around. Don’t set your thermostat at a colder setting when turning on an air conditioner! It’s a misconception that it will cool a home faster. Instead, it may result in excessive cooling, leading to unnecessary expenses.
During Winter – The ideal thermostat temperature for the season is 68 degrees Fahrenheit when you’re at home. While you’re out, you can lower the temperature even further. In fact, for every degree you lower your thermostat in the 60- to 70-degree range, you are saving up to 5% in heating costs.

Quick Tip: Where to Install a Thermostat?

The best place to put a thermostat in is near your home’s center. Keep in mind as well which rooms are most frequently used because that’s where you want the most comfortable temperatures to be. Additionally, don’t put your thermostat under direct sunlight, in the kitchen, above air vents and by doors or windows.