Thermostat settings that save without the shivers

Heating and cooling are usually the biggest part of a home's energy use, so the thermostat is the cheapest place to start. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates you can save as much as 10 percent a year on heating and cooling by turning the thermostat back 7 to 10°F for 8 hours a day from its normal setting.

Starting points

• Winter: around 68°F when you're home and awake, lower when you're asleep or away
• Summer: around 78°F when you're home, higher when you're away
• Adjust for comfort, health and anyone in the home who is very young, older or unwell

Myths

• "The system works harder to catch up." For most furnaces and AC systems, a setback still saves energy overall.
• "Cranking it up heats faster." It doesn't; it just overshoots.

Heat pumps are different

Big setbacks can trigger backup electric resistance heat, which is expensive. Use small setbacks or a thermostat designed for heat pumps.

Programmable and smart thermostats

They help only if they're set up. Program a schedule that matches your week, and check it each season.

General energy-saving information. Savings vary by home, climate, equipment and rates. Efficient Home Help isn't paid by any utility, brand or contractor.