Save Energy by Adjusting Your Thermostat

Do Touch That Dial

As the weather cools down, it’s tempting to turn up the thermostat to counteract the chill. But one of the best ways to help save energy, money, and the environment during the colder months is to dial down the temperature of your home by two degrees.

Here’s a basic rule of thumb: Turn the thermostat to 68 degrees while you’re at home, and drop that setting even lower when you leave for the day. According to the Department of Energy, by regularly turning down the temperature by 10 to 15 degrees before leaving the house for an eight-hour span, you can save between 5% and 15% a year on your heating bill. Heating and cooling your home makes up about half of your energy bill, using more energy and costing more money than any other system in the house.

So cozy up with a hot cup of tea and don the holiday sweater your aunt knitted for you last season. Believe us. The planet—and your aunt—will thank you.