Does adjusting thermostat increase bill?

Author: Else Gulgowski  |  Last update: Monday, July 28, 2025

While constantly adjusting your thermostat can lead to increased energy use, smart thermostat settings and efficient heating practices can actually lower your bills. For more information about our services or what to do when your furnace leaks water, call (859) 448-1054.

Does adjusting the thermostat cost money?

If your living areas frequently feel too hot or too cool and you're in the habit of changing the thermostat temperature settings to compensate, you're adding to the equipment's workload, wasting energy, and it's costing you more money.

Does changing temperature increase the electric bill?

Temperature Settings Impact Cost

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall bill will be.

Is 72 too high for a thermostat in winter?

68 to 72 degrees is a temperature range that is not too warm or cool, and is sufficient enough to warm up the home just enough so that everyone is comfortable regardless of the type of clothing they have on.

Is it cheaper to leave your thermostat at one temperature?

it is much more efficient to just leave it at the same temperature all day. My electric company was promoting having people install thermostats so they could do just that, so I tried it, and my bill went up almost 50%.

Thermostat Secrets And Other Tips To Reduce Your Utility Bills

What is the best way to set your thermostat to save money?

You can save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling by simply turning your thermostat back 7°-10°F for 8 hours a day from its normal setting.

Why is my AC thermostat set at 74 but reads 78?

If the temperature is set to 74°F but the thermometer shows 78°F, you will have to recalibrate the thermostat to account for this 4-degree deviation. Even with older AC units or furnaces, you might have to recalibrate your thermostat from time to time.

Does keeping the AC at 78 save money?

U.S. Department of Energy research suggests that setting your programmable thermostat to 78 during the summer months is the best way to save money on your cooling costs while maintaining a comfortable temperature.

What is the cheapest temperature to keep your house in winter?

To save money, aim to have your temperature set around 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit when you're at home and awake. This is a comfortable temperature for most with the help of a light sweater. Overnight and when you're out, around 64 degrees Fahrenheit will keep your home at a good temperature.

Why does my house feel cold at 68 degrees?

There may be drafts and pockets of colder air near the floor; The walls are colder and don't emit the usual amount of infrared radiation, so you lose heat due to your body emitting more IR than it receives; You may spend more time indoors and hence have less physical activity, so your body generates less heat.

What runs your electric bill up the most?

What costs the most on your electric bill? Heating and cooling are by far the greatest energy users in the home, making up around 40% of your electric bill. Other big users are washers, dryers, ovens, and stoves. Electronic devices like laptops and TVs are usually pretty cheap to run, but of course, it can all add up.

What temperature keeps your bill low?

According to the DOE, setting your thermostat back 7°F to 10°F for 8 hours a day from its normal setting can help you save up to 10% in energy costs. This means keeping your thermostat around 78°F in the summer (higher when you're asleep or away) or around 68°F to 70°F in the winter (lower when you're asleep or away).

Does changing the thermostat make your bill higher?

While constantly adjusting your thermostat can lead to increased energy use, smart thermostat settings and efficient heating practices can actually lower your bills.

How can I reduce my thermostat bill?

  1. Keep thermostat settings as low as possible.
  2. Allow the sun to shine through windows to warm the house during the day.
  3. Use an extra blanket at night and lower your thermostat.

Does it cost more to keep your thermostat below 72?

In practical terms, setting your thermostat to 64°F while you're away instead of leaving it at 72°F results in your furnace running less often, which translates into savings.

How often should I adjust my thermostat?

For the best results, we recommend the "8 is Great" rule. Adjust your temperature by 8 degrees when you know you're leaving the house for at least four hours. For example, if your thermostat is set at 78° F while at home during the summer, adjust it to 86° F before heading out.

Is 65 too cold for a house?

The World Health Organization recommends keeping indoor temperatures between 64 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit for healthy people. The minimum temperature should be kept above 68 degrees Fahrenheit to protect the very young, the elderly, or people with health problems. Watch out for signs of hypothermia.

Is it better to adjust the thermostat?

Contrary to common misconceptions, frequent temperature fluctuations or disregarding optimal settings can actually result in higher energy bills over time. Not only does the right setting save energy, a subtle adjustment in your thermostat setting can lead to substantial savings.

Is 78 too hot for a house?

Quick answer: The ideal house temperature is room temperature, which ranges from 68 to 78 degrees F, though this may vary from season to season. In winter, the average room temperature is generally 62 to 68 degrees, whereas in the summer, the average temperature is 72 to 78 degrees.

Is 72 a good temperature for air conditioning?

Setting your air conditioning to 72°F is generally considered a comfortable indoor temperature for many people. It strikes a good balance between comfort and energy efficiency, making it a popular choice for residential settings.

Does turning AC on and off cost more?

So, is it better to leave your AC on all day? Well, it depends. After all, turning the AC on and off costs more initially. However, leaving your AC on all day consumes more energy and adds wear and tear to your system, which may cost you more money for repairs in the long run.

Should my thermostat be on run or hold?

The best way to save money is by combining both. The “run” feature lets you preset the temperature when you're not home to prevent wasting money on cooling or heating an empty home. Meanwhile, the “hold” button lets you change the room's temperature without changing your energy-saving, preset schedule.

How cool should my house be if it's 100 outside?

For many of us, 70 degrees is the ideal indoor temperature, but when it is close to 100 degrees outside, your AC unit will be working quite hard to meet these expectations. Consider setting your thermostat at 75 degrees to 80 degrees in your home if the outside temperature is approaching triple digits.

Is 68 too low to set your AC?

During a heatwave, we recommend that you don't lower the AC's setting below 68°F. This is already quite chilly for most people, and many would consider it too cold. An air conditioner set this low risk of its coil freezing—and that's bad news because it indicates that the air conditioner is overworked.

What number should my thermostat be on?

Generally speaking, the most efficient temperature for your thermostat is between 18°C and 20°C. If you set the thermostat any higher, then you'll find that your property is very warm and it may be unsafe for babies and people with heart conditions.

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