Program Your Thermostat for Seasonal Savings

The Problem

Your HVAC runs at the same temp 24/7 even when you're sleeping or at work. You're heating or cooling an empty house.

The Hack

Set your thermostat to lower 7-10°F when sleeping and away in winter, raise 7-10°F when away in summer. If you have a smart thermostat, it learns your schedule automatically.

Why It Works

You don't need full comfort when sleeping or away. Each degree of setback saves about 1% on heating/cooling per 8-hour period.

Pro Tips

• A programmable thermostat costs $25-40
• Smart thermostats (Nest, Ecobee) learn your habits
• 68°F awake, 62°F sleeping in winter is the sweet spot
• $180/year average savings per the Department of Energy