How much money do you save lowering your thermostat?
Ethan Hayes
Published Jan 13, 2026
The Department of Energy estimates savings of about 1 percent for each degree of thermostat adjustment per 8 hours, and recommends turning thermostats back 7 to 10 degrees from their normal settings for 8 hours per day to achieve annual savings of up to 10%.
How much would lowering your thermostat by 1 degree save you?
"You can save two to three percent on your overall cooling costs," Donahoe said. And at APS, a spokesperson says raising your thermostat by one degree saves two to three percent on energy cooling costs. So, if your August APS bill is $200, APS says an average customer's cooling costs from that total is $90.Does lowering thermostat save money?
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, “you can save as much as 10 percent per year on heating and cooling by simply turning your thermostat back seven to 10° for eight hours a day from its normal setting.” The savings is greater for buildings in milder climates than for those in more severe climates.Is it cheaper to leave your thermostat at one temperature?
The startup process for a furnace consumes more energy than simply running the entire time at one set temperature, costing you additional money. To maximize efficiency, it's best to keep your furnace (or AC) at the same consistent temperature for long periods of time.Does it cost more to keep your thermostat below 72?
If your thermostat is normally at 72 degrees, try gradually lowering it to 68 degrees. Studies have shown that there is little difference in most people's comfort between these two temperatures, and every degree you lower your thermostat saves you 1 – 3% on your electric bill.How Thermostat Setbacks Save Money | Ask This Old House
Is 70 too high for thermostat in winter?
It's best to not set your thermostat lower than 70 to 72 degrees. Most units are not designed to cool a house below that point, and you risk the system freezing up. I recommend trying to keep your house below 80 degrees at all times during the summer.Is 75 a good temperature for heat in the winter?
Typically, our bodies are most comfortable when the air inside our home is 74-76 degrees. So, a safe setting is 75 degrees.What is the cheapest temperature to keep your house at?
According to ENERGY STAR, setting your thermostat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) when you're home is the ideal balance of comfort and energy efficiency.Is it better to lower thermostat at night?
According to Energy.gov, the better way to save money on heating bills is to set back the temperature of your home at least 8 degrees for 8 hours or longer (while you sleep). In fact, you can save 1% on your heating bill for every degree that you lower the thermostat.What is the cheapest temperature to keep house in summer?
Every season has an ideal thermostat temperature and for summer the U.S. Department of Energy suggests that when home, 78 degrees is the sweet spot between staying cool and keeping your energy bill low. Give your air conditioner and energy bill a break by setting your thermostat to 88 degrees when away.Is it cheaper to leave heating on low all day?
According to experts at the Energy Saving Trust, the idea it's cheaper to leave the heating on low all day is a myth. They're clear that having the heating on only when you need it is, in the long run, the best way to save energy, and therefore money.How do I set my thermostat to save money?
You can save up to 10% a year on your heating and cooling expenses by simply setting your thermostat back 7° to 10°F for 8 hours each day. That means you can adjust your thermostat before leaving for work and before bed each day and potentially see real savings on your electricity bill.Is it cheaper to keep the heat on all day?
According the U.S. Department of Energy, “You can save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling by simply turning your thermostat back 7°-10°F for 8 hours a day from its normal setting.” That sounds like a decisive answer, but it's not quite that simple.What difference does 1 degree make?
It states that for every 1 degree a plane veers off its course, it misses its target destination by 1 mile for every 60 miles you fly. This means that the further you travel, the further you are from your destination. If you're off course by just one degree, after one foot, you'll miss your target by 0.2 inches.What temperature do you save money on heating?
Set your thermostat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit in the winterAccording to ENERGY STAR, setting your thermostat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) when you're home is the ideal balance of comfort and energy efficiency.