Thermostat Tips: Could Your Device Be Raising Your Energy Bills?

Have you ever come home after a day at the beach only to find your house uncomfortably cold because you forgot to adjust the thermostat? This situation is all too common, with millions of Americans leaving their homes without considering the impact on their energy bills. According to the Department of Energy, adjusting your thermostat by 7 to 10 degrees for just eight hours a day could potentially save you up to 10% annually on heating and cooling costs.

Enter programmable and smart thermostats—devices designed to automatically adjust your home’s temperature based on a pre-set schedule or even occupancy detection. For maximum efficiency, however, these devices must be correctly configured. ENERGY STAR reports that homes using certified smart thermostats may see an average annual savings of around 8%, or about $50. Ultimately, effectively utilizing a thermostat, new or old, revolves around understanding your specific heating and cooling habits.