It’s a tale as old as time: the eternal battle over the thermostat. One person’s idea of a comfortable temperature is another’s version of the Arctic tundra.
But what if I told you that your thermostat setting could be more than just a matter of personal preference? What if it could also significantly impact your energy bills and the environment?
The EPA’s Surprising Recommendations
You might be surprised to learn that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has some pretty strong opinions on the matter. They recommend setting your thermostat to 78°F when you’re at home during the day, 82°F at night, and a sweltering 85°F when you’re away. These numbers might seem downright tropical to some, but the EPA insists that each degree increase can translate to a 6% reduction in cooling costs. (ref)
According to the 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. The percentage of savings from setbacks is greater for buildings in milder climates than for those in more severe climates. (ref)
Finding Your Comfort Zone
Of course, personal comfort is still a major factor. While the EPA’s guidelines are a good starting point, finding a temperature that works for you and your family is important. Experts suggest that most people are comfortable between 70-78°F, but this can vary based on factors like humidity, clothing, and activity level.
The human comfort zone, also known as human thermal comfort, refers to a state of mind that expresses satisfaction with surroundings. Generally, people experience thermal comfort when staying in environments with temperatures between 71.6°F-80.6°F (22°C and 27°C) and relative humidity of 40% and 60%. Staying within this range can help promote better sleep and overall well-being.
Small Changes, Big Impact
The smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall cooling bill. In the summer, you can keep your house warmer than normal when you are away and set the thermostat to a setting as high as is comfortable for you when you are at home and need cooling to ensure humidity control if needed.
Embracing the Fans
If the thought of a higher thermostat setting makes you break out in a sweat, fear not. There are other ways to stay cool without relying solely on your air conditioner. Fans can be a great way to circulate air and create a cooling effect, even if the actual temperature hasn’t changed. Ceiling fans, in particular, can make a room feel up to 4°F cooler.
Other strategies for staying cool include closing curtains and blinds during the day to block out the sun’s heat, using heat-generating appliances like ovens and dryers during cooler parts of the day, and ensuring your home is properly insulated to prevent heat transfer.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, the best thermostat setting is the one that strikes a balance between comfort and efficiency. Making small adjustments and embracing alternative cooling methods can save money and reduce your carbon footprint without sacrificing your sanity.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.