Best thermostat settings: Ways to stay warm and cut costs in North Carolina

As temperatures start to dip, you may be tempted to turn up the heat to stay comfortable.

“As outdoor temperatures drop, heating systems run longer to maintain the same indoor temperature, even when customers have not changed a thing,” Caroline Fountain, a Duke Energy spokesperson, told The News & Observer in an email. “Because heating is typically one of the largest drivers of winter energy use, even a small thermostat adjustment can make a difference.”

North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives says heating can account for as much as 50% of home energy costs, raising a common question: How can households lower their bills without sacrificing comfort?

To find out, The N&O reviewed expert advice and previous reporting from The Charlotte Observer. Here’s a look at thermostat guidance for cooler weather and other ways to reduce energy use in North Carolina.

What thermostat setting helps save the most money?

If saving money is the priority, experts suggest lowering your thermostat by 7 to 10 degrees from your usual setting. The U.S. Department of Energy has said that change could trim heating costs by up to 10% over the course of a year, according to previous Observer reporting.

“The smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall cooling bill will be,” the energy department has said on its website. “You can easily save energy in the winter by setting the thermostat to around 68°F to 70°F while you’re awake and setting it lower while you’re asleep or away from home.”

N.C. Electric Cooperatives offers similar advice, recommending a setting of “68 degrees or the lowest temperature you find comfortable.” It says each degree you lower the thermostat can save as much as 3% on energy costs.

More ways to save energy during colder weather

Temperature settings are only part of the picture. Don Bowman, senior vice president of Wake Electric, told The N&O that household preferences and the home’s construction and maintenance quality also affect savings.

Fountain made a similar point, saying there is no single estimate that fits every household. The result depends on the weather, the size and efficiency of the home, the condition of the heating system, thermostat settings and daily energy habits.

Experts also recommend taking these steps to cut costs during colder weather:

• Seal doors and windows.
• Schedule regular heating inspections.
• Open window treatments to let in sunlight.
• Clean heating vents and keep them unobstructed.
• Set ceiling fans to spin counter-clockwise when rooms are in use.
• Check whether your energy provider offers discounted rates.

Portions of this story were previously published in The Charlotte Observer.

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