Bright Idea

September 2023

For many people, the thermostat is probably the 1st device they reach for when they’re looking for ways to save on their electric bills. In setting your thermostat, remember that the smaller the difference between the outdoor temperature and your home’s temperature, the lower your electric bill will be.

When it’s warm outside, keep the temperature in your home higher than usual while you’re out and only turn it down once you get home. When the temperatures begin to drop, lower the thermostat and wear warmer clothing around the house. With the help of a programmable thermostat, you can set these changes to happen automatically so you can stay comfortable without even thinking about it.

If you’re making manual adjustments, remember not to set the temperature higher or lower than would normally be comfortable. Setting the thermostat extra low on a hot day can be tempting, but it won’t cool you off any faster, and you could see a surprise spike on your bill.