Turning down the furnace is the fastest, easiest, and cheapest way to cut your winter utility bill. The US Department of Energy recommends keeping your thermostat at 68 degrees in the wintertime, and lowering it by 7-10 degrees at night or when you’re out of the house. This trims energy costs 10% or more. You can, of course, adjust the thermostat manually, but this means you’ll awake to a chilly house. Programmable thermostats allow you to set an automatic schedule so the house is comfortable when you awaken or arrive home. Smart thermostats additionally allow you to control the temperature remotely through a smart phone or laptop app.
The cost of a smart thermostat ranges from $60 to $300, depending on its features. Do-it-yourself installation is possible, but most people will hire either an electrician or an HVAC contractor, adding another $100 – $250. In researching this article, we bought a smart thermostat from a local heating and cooling company, which charged only $52 for the installation, though the cost of the thermostat was higher, for a total expenditure of $300. Programming the thermostat can be tricky, so expect to spend some time with the user’s guide or the manufacturer’s help line. For more information, check out the government sources below.
- US Dept of Energy Energy Saver article and video on programmable thermostats and temperature settings for comfort and cost savings
- US Environmental Protection Agency Energy Star article on Smart Thermostats, including detailed information on products, rebates, and installation guidance
Read the entire Good Energy Newsletter, Winter 2022