Saving Energy and Money Without Sacrificing Comfort
As winter temperatures settle across New Jersey and beyond, many households face the challenge of staying warm while keeping heating costs in check. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) offers guidance to help homeowners achieve both, recommending specific thermostat settings for optimal energy savings.
Ideal winter thermostat settings
The DOE advises setting thermostats to 68 degrees Fahrenheit during winter. Ram Narayanamurthy, deputy director of the DOE’s Building Technologies Office, explained to USA TODAY that maintaining temperatures between 68 to 70 degrees can keep homes comfortable without overburdening heating systems.
For additional savings, the DOE suggests lowering the thermostat by 7 to 10 degrees during the night or when residents are away. This simple adjustment can reduce heating and cooling costs by approximately 10% annually if maintained for eight hours a day.
Seasonal energy-saving strategies
These practices aren’t limited to winter. The same energy-efficient approach can be applied during summer, with higher thermostat settings helping reduce cooling costs. “Saving money and energy becomes much easier and more practical when the weather is milder and less extreme,” the DOE noted.
By adopting these recommendations, homeowners can stay cozy this winter while minimizing their environmental impact and lowering utility bills.