Smart Thermostats Can Save Energy
Analysts predict that electricity prices will rise this year. That’s why many homeowners use smart thermostats to save money on their Ohio energy bills. But some of these homes could cut their bills even lower with a few simple adjustments. That’s why we’ve created this quick and easy guide for better smart thermostat use. Here’s the best smart thermostat schedule we’ve found that could save more energy.
Why Use Smart Thermostats?
The Department of Energy explains that turning down your heat by 7 to 10 degrees for 8 hours a day could save you as much as 10% on your energy bills. To put that in perspective, Ohio homes paid over $135 a month on average for their monthly energy bills back in 2024. So most Ohio homes could shave up to $13 a month ($156 a year) off their energy bills with this simple energy hack.
The problem is that you can’t change the temperature while you’re away from the house or sleeping. That’s why many homeowners rely on programmable thermostats to do the work for them. However, these devices are simply electronic clocks that you program a heat schedule into ahead of time. You have to manually adjust it to match the weather or your work schedule.
A smart thermostat, on the other hand, can learn your heating needs and adjust itself accordingly. This includes detecting when you’re home so it can fire up the heat when you get home from work and cool things off a little more to save energy when you don’t need it. Most units even help you save energy with auto low power modes or energy monitoring.
Best Smart Thermostat Tips
But what temperature should you set your thermostat to?
First of all, make sure that your home temperatures never fall below 60° F. Temperatures below that can increase moisture due to condensation, which is prime condition for mold growth. In addition, temperatures below 35° F can lead to burst or broken pipes, which could cost hundreds of dollars to repair.
However, 60° F may be too cold to feel comfortable, especially during the winter. That’s why the Department of Energy recommends 68 – 70° F. For most, this is the sweet spot between comfort and affordable heating bills. Remember that you can always wear more layers or use blankets to split the difference if you like feeling toastier than that.
Ohio Daylight Hours
Daylight hours are an important consideration when planning your thermostat schedule. Your home will naturally feel warmer if it gets a lot of sun during the day, especially if you have a well-insulated attic. According to the US Naval Observatory, Ohio will see between 9 to 11 hours of daylight between December through February. That means you can set your thermostat down a little lower during expected daylight hours while you’re at work. Of course, if you work from home, you may want to keep the heat at a mid-comfort level for 5 to 8 hours a day. That way you’ll have a cozier workspace but still save a little .
Use Smart Thermostats To Save Energy
More than half of the energy we use is spent on heating and cooling. That’s why smart thermostats are popular to help you control your energy use. Our tips and tricks can help you make the best use of these devices to lower your monthly your electricity bills.
You can also save money by shopping for the best electricity rates in town at www.ohenergyratings.com. We’re also your best source for tips and news that could affect your bills.