Lowering your thermostat to around 63-65°F and bundling up with blankets, sweaters, and thick socks can indeed save a significant amount on heating bills, while still keeping your home comfortable. This approach works especially well for single adults without pets or children, where the thermostat can be set for maximum efficiency. By lowering the indoor temperature, you reduce the “delta T” (temperature difference between the inside and outside), which helps your heating system run less often and more efficiently.
Energy Savings from Lowering the Thermostat
According to studies from sources like the U.S. Department of Energy, each degree you lower your thermostat over an 8-hour period can save approximately 1% on your heating bill. If you typically keep your thermostat at 70°F and instead lower it to 63°F at night or when you’re away, you could save about 7% for each degree difference, adding up to around 10-15% overall on your annual heating bill depending on factors like insulation, windows, and climate.
For instance, if your typical winter heating cost is $150 per month, a 10-15% savings could mean up to $22 saved each month. Over the season, this could add up to around $100 or more, which can be substantial when multiplied across multiple winter months.
Additional Comfort Tips
To maintain warmth, consider keeping extra blankets handy and wearing insulated clothing indoors. Adding a humidifier to your room can also make the air feel warmer, as humid air retains heat better than dry air, reducing the need for constant heating. Some people also use space heaters in frequently-used rooms, which can provide warmth without heating the entire home.
Using a Smart Thermostat for Efficiency
Smart thermostats or programmable thermostats allow for easy temperature setbacks (pre-programmed adjustments). For example, you could set the temperature to 65°F while you’re active at home and then lower it to around 60°F at night. Some thermostats can even learn your schedule, so you can optimize heating without constantly adjusting settings.
Sample Savings Calculation (Using Excel)
Here’s an example of how you might calculate potential savings:
- Set up an Excel sheet with columns for:
- Baseline monthly heating cost
- Temperature setpoints (e.g., 70°F to 63°F)
- Estimated percentage savings (1% per degree)
- Total monthly savings
- Use a formula to calculate the percentage savings, like:
= (Temperature Reduction * Baseline Heating Cost) * 0.01
For example, if your baseline cost is $150, and you lower the temperature by 7°F (70°F to 63°F), your estimated savings would be:
= (7 * 150) * 0.01 = $10.50
This method could help you monitor your savings and adjust based on how much you’re willing to compromise on indoor temperature versus comfort.
Lowering your thermostat while layering up is a practical approach to cutting heating costs without sacrificing warmth when you’re active at home. It’s also a flexible, low-cost way to stay comfortable without investing in costly home modifications like insulation. This strategy is especially worthwhile if you’re mindful of energy efficiency and comfortable with some temperature adjustments at home.
