Seasonal Thermostat Tips to Lower Your Energy Bills in FL

Thermostat Settings for the SWFL Homeowner: Perfect Balance Between Comfort & Efficiency

Managing indoor comfort while keeping an eye on energy costs is a year-round endeavor in SWFL. Ever find yourself Googling the best thermostat settings as the seasons change, only to tumble down a rabbit hole of conflicting advice? You may feel like it is not even worth the discomfort. You're not alone. Here are some actionable tips to help you save on those energy bills without sacrificing comfort.

Let's Talk Thermostat Settings

Your HVAC system plays one of the largest roles in your energy consumption. However, the US Department of Energy has thrown us a lifeline with research suggesting that by tweaking your thermostat by 7°-10°F for 8 hours a day, you could save up to 10% annually on electric costs. That's significant, right? So, how do you strike that perfect balance of comfort and savings? Let's dive in.

Summer Settings: Embracing the Warmth

We get it, summer in SWFL can be like living on the sun. However, setting your thermostat to 78°F when you're home can make a big difference in your energy consumption. This saves 7% compared to 72°F. It might feel a tad warmer than you're used to, but it's a sweet spot for energy savings.

And when you're out and about? Consider bumping it up to 80-85°F. Yes, it sounds warm, but your house doesn't need to stay cool if no one's there to enjoy it. Making this adjustment can help you notch up those savings, especially during our scorching summers.

Winter: Get Cozy

When the temperature outside finally takes a dip, setting your thermostat to 68°F while you're bustling around the house or curled up with a good book provides a comfortable, yet efficient, warmth. And when it's time to hit the hay? Dropping it to around 63-65°F can enhance your savings even further. Donning a cozy sweater or wrapping up in a blanket can keep you comfortable without cranking up the heat. We know these moments don't last too long in FL. Unfortunately, best to enjoy the cool while you can...

Spring and Fall

Ah, the mild seasons of spring and fall, when our thermostats can get a bit of a break. However, the occasional hot day or chilly evening can still have us reaching for that HVAC control. For these transitional times, setting your thermostat around 78°F for the warmer days and 68°F during the cooler ones works wonders. And remember, adjusting the temperature up or down when you're not home amplifies your savings.

The Ideal Sleep Setting

Everyone loves a good night's sleep, and the right room temperature can make all the difference. For those warmer nights, 78°F might be your golden number, but when it cools down, 65°F could be just right for slipping under the covers. Some studies have shown that lower temperatures between 63-69°F at night can improve sleep quality significantly, so make your best judgement!

Making It Personal: Finding Your Thermostat Sweet Spot

While we've shared some general guidelines, comfort is a personal thing. A great way to find your ideal setting is to start with what you're used to and adjust by one degree each day until you hit a point of discomfort, then dial it back a notch. This gradual approach helps your body adapt without too much shock to the system.

Don't Forget to Adjust

Embrace the "8 is Great" rule by adjusting your thermostat by 8 degrees when you'll be out for a couple of hours. It's a simple trick that can lead to significant savings.

And here's where technology shines: a programmable thermostat can automate these adjustments for you. Going for a smart thermostat? Even better, as it allows for adjustments on the fly through your smartphone, ensuring you return to a comfortable home without wasting energy while you're away. By far the easiest way to go about this!

Ceiling Fans: Your Energy-Saving Tool

Did you know that running a ceiling fan lets you raise your thermostat setting by about 4°F with no reduction in comfort? Just remember, fans cool people, not rooms, so turn them off when you leave a room to save even more.

Consider getting Solar Panels!

Ready to take your savings to the next level? Consider going solar. Did you know, going solar is one of the fewest ways to reduce your electric rate without making adjustments to your consumption! Not to mention a smaller carbon footprint.

Curious about what solar could save you? Check out our free solar savings calculator below. It's a no-strings-attached way to see how much you could reduce your energy bills by making the switch to solar.

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Sources

US Department of Energy: https://www.energystar.gov/

National Sleep Foundation: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5446217/

Energy Savings Trust: https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/