The Classic City Rotary of Athens Eco Passport is a year-long initiative to encourage members to engage in eco-friendly activities and promote environmental awareness. Members earn points by completing various sustainable actions, such as recycling, composting, attending environmental talks, and participating in service projects. ECORotary@sosuin.org
Eco Passport Item # 21 – “Set your thermostat at a higher temp during the day, especially during the warmer months”
By Salome Alvarez, Southern Sustainability Institute, Athens, GA
Email: Blog@sosuin.org.
As temperatures rise and summer rolls in, many homeowners face the challenge of keeping their homes cool and comfortable. It’s tempting to crank up the air conditioning to escape the heat, but there’s a more efficient way to stay cool while saving money and energy: adjusting your thermostat. Setting your thermostat at a higher temperature during the day, especially when you’re not home, can have numerous benefits for both your wallet and the environment.
The Importance of Thermostat Management
Understanding how your thermostat works and the impact it has on your home’s energy consumption is key to making informed choices. Your thermostat is essentially the command center for your heating and cooling systems. It regulates the temperature in your home based on your settings. However, the way you set it can significantly influence your energy usage and costs.
Why Set Your Thermostat Higher During the Day?
Here are several compelling reasons to consider adjusting your thermostat higher during the day:
- Energy Savings: One of the most immediate benefits of raising your thermostat temperature is the potential for significant energy savings. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, for every degree you raise your thermostat, you can save about 3% on your cooling bill. That might not seem like much, but it can add up over the course of the summer, translating to a noticeable reduction in your energy costs.
- Reduced Environmental Impact: By using less energy to cool your home, you’re also reducing your carbon footprint. Most electricity in the U.S. is still generated from fossil fuels, which contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. By lowering your energy consumption, you’re helping to reduce demand on power plants and decrease pollution levels, supporting a healthier environment.
- Extended Lifespan of Your HVAC System: Keeping your air conditioning system running at lower settings for extended periods can strain the unit and lead to increased wear and tear. By setting your thermostat higher during the day, you reduce the load on your HVAC system, which can help extend its lifespan and reduce the likelihood of costly repairs or replacements.
- Comfort Balance: Many people find that setting the thermostat a few degrees higher during the day is still comfortable enough, especially if you’re out of the house. Use fans to help circulate air, close curtains or blinds to block direct sunlight, and wear lightweight clothing to stay cool without relying solely on air conditioning.
- Increased Awareness of Energy Use: Adjusting your thermostat can prompt you to become more aware of your energy consumption habits. By consciously deciding to set it higher, you may start to explore other energy-saving measures around your home, such as sealing drafts, using energy-efficient appliances, or investing in smart home technology that allows for better energy management.
Tips for Effectively Managing Your Thermostat
To maximize the benefits of adjusting your thermostat, consider these practical tips:
- Use a Programmable or Smart Thermostat: These devices allow you to set schedules for your heating and cooling systems, automatically adjusting the temperature based on your daily routine. You can program the thermostat to raise the temperature during the day when you’re away and cool down again before you return home.
- Set the Temperature Wisely: During the warmer months, aim to set your thermostat to around 78°F when you’re home. When you leave, raise it by 5-10°F. You’ll still be comfortable while saving on energy costs.
- Utilize Fans: Ceiling fans or portable fans can help circulate air and create a wind-chill effect, making you feel cooler without lowering the temperature on your thermostat. Remember to turn fans off when you leave the room, as they cool people, not spaces.
- Close Blinds and Curtains: Prevent the sun from heating your home by closing blinds and curtains during the hottest parts of the day. This can significantly reduce the heat entering your home and decrease the load on your air conditioning.
- Regular Maintenance: Ensure your HVAC system is well-maintained with regular checks and filter changes. A well-functioning system will run more efficiently, allowing you to maintain comfort even at higher thermostat settings.
Resources for Energy Savings
- U.S. Department of Energy – Energy Saver: Offers tips and guidelines for saving energy and managing your thermostat effectively.
- Energy Star – Programmable Thermostats: Information on energy-efficient thermostats and how they can help you save energy.
- American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE): Provides resources and studies on energy efficiency, including insights into cooling and heating practices.
Setting your thermostat at a higher temperature during the day, especially in the warmer months, is a simple yet effective way to enhance your comfort while saving money and protecting the environment. By making this small adjustment, you’re not only contributing to a more sustainable future but also enjoying the benefits of lower energy bills and a more efficient home. Embrace the warmth of summer with a smarter approach to cooling your space!
Resources:
https://www.aol.com/temperature-thermostat-georgia-look-georgia-155651560.html
