Slash Your Electric Bill: 7 Easy Thermostat Tweaks

Heating and cooling systems are the largest energy users in most American homes. The thermostat, although small, controls how and when your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system works. By tweaking your thermostat habits, you can reduce electricity consumption, lower your monthly utility bills, and improve overall energy efficiency.

These thermostat tips are designed to help you save money without drastically changing your comfort level. Whether you’re in a chilly winter climate or dealing with hot, humid summers, the adjustments below can work in nearly any region or home type.

Adjust Settings by Season

Different seasons require different thermostat strategies. Instead of setting your thermostat and forgetting it, make a habit of adjusting it to match the weather.

During winter months, try setting your thermostat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit while you’re at home and awake. At night or when you’re away, lower it by 7 to 10 degrees. This can reduce your heating bill by as much as 10 percent per year.

In the summer, set your thermostat to 78 degrees when you’re home. When you’re away for more than a few hours, raise it even more. The smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperature, the lower your cooling bill will be.

Use a Programmable Thermostat

Programmable thermostats take the guesswork out of temperature adjustments. They let you schedule temperature changes according to your daily routine. Set it to warm up the house just before you wake up, turn down when you leave for work, and return to comfort right before you come home.

Avoid overriding the program too often. The “hold” or “override” function can negate the benefits of scheduled settings if used constantly. If your schedule changes frequently, consider upgrading to a smart thermostat that learns your habits and adjusts accordingly.

Lower Temperatures at Night

You don't need a warm home when you’re under blankets. Dropping the temperature while you sleep helps you save money and sleep better. Cooler temperatures promote deeper sleep, and your heating system gets a break during the coldest hours of the night.

For summer, raise the AC setting slightly and use ceiling fans to maintain airflow. Fans use significantly less energy and can make rooms feel up to 4 degrees cooler without actually changing the temperature.

Don’t Heat or Cool Empty Rooms

Make sure your thermostat isn't running your HVAC system unnecessarily. If you’re away at work all day or on vacation, there’s no need to maintain a comfortable temperature. Use your programmable thermostat to reduce heating or cooling during these times.

Close doors and vents in unused rooms to reduce the space that needs climate control. Use thermal curtains to help isolate sections of the home. While you’re out, raise or lower your settings based on the season to reduce system usage.

Use Smart Features If You Have Them

Smart thermostats offer more than just scheduled programming. Many include features such as geofencing, occupancy sensors, and weather-based adjustments. Geofencing uses your phone’s location to change the temperature automatically when you leave or return home.

Some models offer energy reports that show you when your system is working hardest, helping you identify further savings opportunities. They may also give you alerts if your HVAC system runs longer than expected, potentially flagging a maintenance issue.

Keep Thermostats Away from Heat or Drafts

The location of your thermostat can affect its readings. If it’s placed near a heat source, direct sunlight, or a drafty window, it may misread the room’s actual temperature and run the HVAC system more often than necessary.

Choose a central location for your thermostat, away from direct airflow and extreme temperatures. If your thermostat is near a kitchen, bathroom, or exterior door, consider relocating it or insulating the surrounding area.

Calibrate and Maintain Your Thermostat

Like any tool, thermostats need occasional maintenance. Dust buildup, low batteries, or age can affect performance. Use a separate thermometer to check if your thermostat is accurate. If the reading is off by more than a degree or two, it may need recalibration or replacement.

Clean your thermostat periodically using a dry cloth. For older dial models, a level thermostat is essential for accurate readings. Replace batteries in digital models once a year and check for firmware updates if you’re using a smart thermostat.

Combine with Other Energy-Saving Actions

While thermostat tweaks alone can make a difference, the real savings come when they’re combined with other actions. Seal leaks around windows and doors, insulate your attic, install energy-efficient windows, and use curtains or blinds strategically to manage sunlight.

Change HVAC filters regularly to ensure optimal performance and airflow. Schedule annual maintenance for your furnace and AC to prevent costly breakdowns and inefficiencies. All these efforts work in tandem with your thermostat settings to maximize your home’s efficiency.