We’re feeling the impact of inflation in just about every way imaginable, including at home. Earlier this year, Ohioans were warned that the cost of electricity would rise in response to the rising cost of natural gas.
That means that now, more than ever, Ohio homeowners are looking for ways to lower their energy bills. Could your thermostat settings this summer and winter do the trick?
The answer is yes, and we’re here to explain why. We’re also here to talk about the ideal thermostat settings that will save money without sacrificing comfort.
Read on to learn more about your thermostat settings and how to save money on electricity.
Do Heating and Cooling Really Impact Your Electricity Bill?
Looking around your home, you’ll quickly notice that you use electricity to power all sorts of things: your kitchen appliances, your television, your lights, and maybe even your water heater. Nowadays, we’re all “plugged in” at all hours of the day. If you’re feeling skeptical that adjusting your thermostat can make a tangible difference, we don’t blame you.
To understand the connection between your heating and cooling tendencies and your energy bill, let’s turn to the statistics. According to the US Energy Information Administration, heating and cooling account for 55% of residential energy usage.
In other words, indoor temperature control uses more electricity than everything else combined. From this perspective, it’s easier to imagine that adjusting your thermostat could make a tangible difference. The question is, what thermostat settings are best?
Best Cooling Thermostat Settings
Most of the time, you’re going to notice the biggest difference in your summer electricity bill when you set your thermostat seven to ten degrees higher than normal for at least eight hours a day. The best way to do this without sacrificing comfort is to raise the temperature when everyone is out of the home, perhaps going to work or attending school.
If you’re not sure how low you normally set your thermostat, don’t worry. Setting your thermostat at 78 degrees for at least eight hours a day should do the trick.
For more savings, you can also raise the temperature four degrees higher than normal while you sleep. Adding a fan or two to the bedrooms in your home and using breathable sheets will help everyone in your household to stay cool even when the AC isn’t working overtime.
Best Heating Thermostat Settings
What about wintertime? Ohio homeowners know that our winter lows are low, and it’s tempting to crank the heat. What thermostat settings are best for the winter months?
Once again, we encourage you to try a similar strategy, this time lowering your thermostat by seven to ten degrees, or to a temperature between 65 and 67 degrees. The same schedule applies. Lowering your thermostat for at least eight hours a day is going to make the biggest impact, and we encourage you to do so when everyone is out of the house.
When you’re ready to go to bed, bring the temperature back down to 67 degrees. With the right blankets, you can stay warm and cozy despite the lower indoor temperature.
More Money-Saving Heating and Cooling Tips
Does all this talk about saving money on cooling and heating costs have you excited to learn more? We’ve got additional tips to keep the savings coming while making your home all the more comfortable. Let’s take a closer look.
Know When to Let the Light In
Believe it or not, the sunlight filtering through your windows can make an impact on your indoor temperature. This is thanks to something called the greenhouse effect. By taking the greenhouse effect into consideration, you can actually use it to your heating and cooling advantage.
In the summer when you want to keep things cool, you’re going to want to block out direct sun. Close the shades on south-facing windows in the early afternoon and keep them closed until the sun begins to set.
In the winter, go ahead and let that light in. Encouraging the greenhouse effect during low-temperature months can reduce your heating system’s output by reducing the difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures naturally.
Upgrade Your Window Coverings
Older windows also allow your indoor air to escape, making your home less energy efficient and causing your HVAC system to work harder. While you may not want to invest in new windows at this time, new window coverings can make a difference.
According to the EPA, several types of window coverings can lower the greenhouse effect in summer and reduce the loss of indoor air all year round. These can include UV-blocking window films, blinds, shades, shutters, and even awnings.
Have Your HVAC System Inspected
One of the best things you can do to increase energy efficiency and lower your energy bill is to stay on top of HVAC maintenance.
Start with an annual pre-summer air conditioning inspection. In late or mid-spring, make sure that your HVAC system is ready for summer. We can handle any cleaning or repairing necessary to ensure that your air conditioner isn’t working harder than necessary to keep your home cool.
We also recommend an annual pre-winter heating inspection for the same purpose. By investing in inspections and tune-ups twice a year, you never have to worry that your HVAC system isn’t built to last through the next season of extreme temperatures.
Work With My Guys in Bedford for Better Energy Efficiency
Do your thermostat settings really make an impact on your electricity bill? They do, and you can use this guide to combat rising energy prices.
Don’t forget the importance of HVAC maintenance. If you’re looking for plumbing and HVAC services in Bedford, Solon, Oakwood, and the surrounding area, you’re in the right place. Contact us and let us know what we can do for you.
