Maximize Comfort and Savings with Simple Thermostat Adjustments

David Hrdlicka
Jan 15
3 min read

Keeping your home comfortable while managing energy costs can feel like a balancing act. Many people overlook how small changes to their thermostat settings can make a big difference.

Adjusting your thermostat by just a few degrees during certain times of the day can improve comfort and reduce energy waste. This post explains practical ways to tweak your thermostat, whether you have a manual or smart model, to save money and maintain pleasant temperatures year-round.

Why Small Thermostat Changes Matter

Heating and cooling account for nearly half of the energy use in a typical home. Even slight adjustments to your thermostat can reduce this consumption significantly.

For example, lowering your thermostat by 1 to 3 degrees Fahrenheit during winter nights or when you are away can cut heating costs by up to 10%. Similarly, raising the thermostat a few degrees in summer when no one is home reduces air conditioning expenses.

These small tweaks do not sacrifice comfort because your body adapts to slight temperature changes, especially when you are bundled up or resting. Over time, these adjustments add up to noticeable savings on your energy bills and reduce environmental impact by lowering your home’s energy demand.

How to Adjust Your Thermostat for Winter Comfort and Savings

During colder months, your heating system works hard to keep your home warm. You can ease this demand by:

Lowering the thermostat by 2 to 3 degrees when you are asleep or away. For example, if you usually keep it at 70°F, try setting it to 67°F or 68°F during these times.
Using programmable or smart thermostats to automate these changes. They can adjust settings based on your schedule without manual effort.
Wearing warmer clothing indoors and using blankets at night to stay comfortable with lower temperatures.
Sealing drafts and insulating windows to keep warm air inside, making thermostat adjustments more effective.

By following these steps, you reduce heating costs without feeling cold. The key is to avoid large temperature swings that force your system to work harder.

Summer Thermostat Tips to Stay Cool and Save Energy

Cooling your home can be expensive, especially during hot months. Adjusting your thermostat can help:

Raise the thermostat by 3 to 5 degrees when you are not home. For example, if you usually set it to 74°F, increase it to 78°F or 79°F during the day.
Use fans to circulate air and make higher temperatures feel more comfortable.
Close blinds or curtains to block direct sunlight and reduce indoor heat gain.
Keep doors and windows closed when the air conditioner is running to maintain cool air inside.

Smart thermostats can detect when you leave and return, adjusting temperatures automatically to save energy without sacrificing comfort.

Benefits of Smart Thermostats

Smart thermostats offer convenience and precision. They learn your habits and adjust temperatures automatically, so you don’t have to remember to change settings. Features include:

Remote control via smartphone apps to adjust temperatures from anywhere.
Geofencing technology that detects when you leave or approach home and adjusts settings accordingly.
Energy usage reports to help you track and optimize your consumption.
Integration with other smart home devices for enhanced comfort and efficiency.

Even if you have a manual thermostat, making small adjustments yourself can still save money and improve comfort.

Practical Examples of Thermostat Adjustments

Consider a family of four who usually keeps their thermostat at 70°F in winter. By lowering it to 67°F at night and when they leave for work, they save about 10% on heating bills. Over a heating season, this can add up to $100 or more depending on their energy rates.

In summer, a single occupant raises their thermostat from 74°F to 78°F during work hours. Combined with ceiling fans and closed blinds, this change reduces cooling costs by around 15%.

These examples show that simple, consistent thermostat tweaks can lead to meaningful savings without discomfort.

Tips for Getting the Most from Your Thermostat

Set a schedule that matches your daily routine to avoid heating or cooling an empty home.
Avoid frequent temperature changes that can strain your HVAC system.
Use energy-saving modes if your thermostat offers them.
Check and replace HVAC filters regularly to maintain system efficiency.
Combine thermostat adjustments with other energy-saving measures like sealing leaks and upgrading insulation.

These steps help your thermostat work smarter and keep your home comfortable year-round.