What Permanent Daylight Saving Time Could Mean for Homeowners

Many homeowners are used to changing their clocks twice a year, moving forward by an hour in spring and back by an hour in fall.

That routine could end if the Sunshine Protection Act becomes law. The measure, which has passed the U.S. House, would make daylight saving time permanent throughout the year.

If the Senate approves it and the president signs it, evenings would stay lighter while mornings would get darker. Whether that is a benefit depends largely on where you live.

For example, homeowners in Alabama, Florida, and Texas would likely gain more usable daylight, while residents of Maine, Michigan, and Wisconsin could face much later sunrises and fewer daylight hours.

At present, the bill remains stalled. During a recent campaign rally in Mississippi, President Donald Trump called the twice-yearly clock change “stupid” and urged the Senate to move the proposal forward.

Whatever your location, it helps to know how permanent daylight saving time could influence your home and daily routine so you can be ready if the idea becomes law.

The impact on homeowners

Longer evening daylight could reduce your reliance on artificial lighting while you are awake and active, which may slightly lower electricity use.

Still, those savings could be offset by higher heating and cooling needs.

“The dark, cold winter mornings that stem from permanent daylight savings would mean that your furnace will need to work harder before sunrise,” says Brandon Young, CEO of Payless Power in Fort Worth, TX.

During the summer, extra sunlight can keep your home warmer later into the evening, which may push your air conditioner to run during peak energy-use hours.

“As for the landscaping, additional sunlight can allow you to take care of your lawn in the evening rather than wait for the weekend. You might also have to adjust when you water and maintain your lawn,” Young explains.

More daylight may also improve home security, since many crimes happen after dark.

If you are thinking about selling your home later, the added daylight could also work in your favor.

“Since most buyers look at homes in the evenings, you'll have more opportunities to show your home in the winter months,” Young says.

Natural light can also make it easier to showcase your home’s exterior, landscaping, and overall curb appeal.

How to adjust smart home schedules and handle darker winter mornings

There are a few ways to prepare for the darker winter mornings that could come with permanent daylight saving time.

Start with your smart thermostat.

“Allow it to preheat your house 30 to 45 minutes prior to your alarm clock going off-not all night long,” explains Young.

Marcus Griswold, founder of Little Green Myths in Vallejo, CA, recommends closing doors and turning off heat in rooms you are not using.

“Some smart systems also help you isolate unused rooms by sensing when someone is present. This is known as zoned heating,” Griswold explains.

Smart shades can also help by staying open during the day to warm the house and closing at sunset to keep heat in during colder months.

In addition, the gradual sunrise setting on smart bulbs can imitate the increase in brightness. Using them in bedrooms, bathrooms, and hallways may help you feel more alert as you wake up and settle into your routine.

Be patient with the adjustment, since your body may need time to adapt.

“In our survey, 84% of Americans claim it takes at least one day to adjust to a new time after the time change, while 29% say it takes at least one week. Setting your smart home devices like thermostats and lighting to automatically adjust can make the transition easier,” Young explains.

If your utility company offers time-of-use pricing, consider running the dishwasher and laundry during off-peak hours. That can mean lower rates and potentially significant savings.