How To Set Your Thermostat To Save Money This Summer
By NOR'ADILA HEPBURN
Tech - News
Summer is here, the heat is in full swing, and energy bills are soaring — as high as 45% more in some states due to inflation, high gas prices, and other factors. Such a steep increase may have you looking for tips to bring the cost down, so here are a few ways you can use your thermostat to curb your utility bill.
Although your first instinct might be to turn the temperature dial down when you feel overheated, the U.S. Department of Energy cautions against that and instead advises raising your thermostat settings 7 to 10 degrees warmer when you're not home. If you do this for eight hours a day, you could save up to 10% on your energy bill.
You should also try to keep the temperature around 78℉, but if you find that too warm for your liking, you can use ceiling fans to help circulate the air. Getting a smart thermostat can also be one of the best moves to cut energy usage in your home — not only will it save you money, but it also is automated and can run by itself.
Thermostats like the Nest Learning Thermostat can study your routine and make a cooling and heating schedule for you and claims to save you up to 15% on your bill. You can also get an energy audit or home energy assessment to check the condition of your central air systems and ensure your home is adequately sealed.