It's tempting to flip on the heat during the first chilly evening of autumn. If you can resist, keep the temperature low because your air conditioning and heating system is the largest energy user in your home.
Set your thermostat wisely this fall to stay comfortable and cut energy costs. Here’s a simple guide for October.
- Daytime: Set your thermostat between 68 and 70 degrees for a cozy, energy-efficient home during the day.
- Nighttime: Lower the temperature to between 60 and 65 degrees while you sleep to save on heating costs without sacrificing comfort.
- When away: Set your thermostat to about 60 if you’re out for several hours, to avoid wasting energy heating an empty house.
- Use programmable thermostats: Automate these temperature changes to avoid manual adjustments and optimize savings.
These ranges balance comfort with efficiency as outdoor temperatures cool. Remember, you can save about 1% per degree you lower your thermostat during the wintertime, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.