Home heating costs soar in many areas of the country every winter, but learning how to master your thermostat settings and new technologies can help reduce your bills. While the ideal temperature varies from person to person, making the most of thermostat preferences can mean big savings in your annual heating bills. "A typical U.S. household spends about 55% of their annual electricity usage on heating and cooling alone," shared Bruce Stewart, CEO and President of Perch Energy. "Homeowners and renters realize this, and are always on the lookout for affordable technologies that optimize their home energy use for the winter and save money."
Upgrading to a Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats are a practical solution for improving your home's energy efficiency in the winter; we've used Nest thermostats in multiple zones of our home for years and recently upgraded one unit to the Google Nest Learning Thermostat when Google sent us one to play with. When they say these devices change the way you automate your home, they're not exaggerating. They automatically adjust the thermostat temperatures based on your schedule and preferences, ultimately helping you to save energy in a way that won't sacrifice indoor comfort levels.
- Use scheduling features: Program the thermostat in winter to lower the heat during the hours you're asleep or away from home.
- Set moderate temperatures: Aim for 68°F when you're home and awake, and lower settings at night or when the house is empty. Temperature swings are okay, you just have to find a balance between comfort and practicality.
- Utilize geofencing: Some smart thermostats can detect when the entire family's away and adjust the indoor temperature automatically.
- Monitor usage patterns: Track energy data to identify inefficiencies and adjust accordingly.
- Pair with zoning systems: Direct heat only to occupied rooms to minimize wasted energy.
If you aren't ready for a smart thermostat, at the very least begin using a programmable thermostat to solve ongoing thermostat battles. These types of thermostats are still modern thermostats. They'll save on your energy costs when the outdoor temperatures dip, even if they aren't Bluetooth-enabled.
How can I save energy without upgrading my thermostat?
When the weather turns and cooler temperatures arrive, optimize your home for energy savings by sealing air leaks, improving insulation to reduce heat loss, and using heavy curtains to reduce drafts. Additionally, turn off the air conditioning and set your thermostat to a lower temperature. If necessary, use space heaters or electric blankets for localized warmth in your frequently used living spaces.
Is it better to keep the thermostat at a constant temperature or adjust it throughout the day?
Ah, a common thermostat mistake! Making temperature adjustments throughout the day is more efficient than leaving it set to a consistent temperature 24/7, but avoid larger temperature shifts. Lowering the temperature by 7-10 degrees for 8 hours daily can reduce heating costs by up to 10% annually. Use programmable settings or a smart thermostat to automate these temperature preferences.
Household Solar vs. Community Solar
"There are many products, such as hot water heat pumps, smart thermostats, and of course, choosing clean energy," notes Stewart. "It's a common misconception that residents need to have installed solar on their roof to get the benefit of a lower electricity bill, but you can indeed get savings if there are community solar options in your state. Community solar essentially matches homeowners, renters, and commercial businesses with a solar farm in their area, typically saving consumers 5-20% annually while reducing the grid's dependency on fossil fuel energy production." The upfront cost of installing solar panels isn't feasible for everyone, but most energy providers have options that help consumers choose a more energy-efficient stance.
He adds, "[Community solar] is a great option for consumers looking to keep their bills low and make their homes as efficient as possible for the winter."
