Question 1

How much do you save by turning down the thermostat at night?

Accepted Answer

The DOE estimates you save about 1% on heating costs for every 1°F you lower the thermostat for 8 hours. Setting back from 70°F to 62°F while sleeping (8 hours) saves approximately 8% on heating. For a home spending $1,500/year on heating, that's about $120/year. Larger setbacks (10°F) over longer periods (16 hours while sleeping and away) can save 15–20%.

Question 2

What temperature should I set my thermostat to save money?

Accepted Answer

The DOE recommends 68°F when home and awake, 60°F while sleeping or away for optimal energy savings in winter. In summer, 78°F when home and 85°F when away. Each degree of setback from these targets reduces heating/cooling costs by approximately 1% per 8-hour period. Staying comfortable while saving energy means gradual setbacks — not extreme temperatures.

Question 3

Does thermostat setback work with heat pumps?

Accepted Answer

Thermostat setback with heat pumps requires careful programming. Large setbacks (more than 4–5°F) can cause the heat pump to trigger backup electric resistance heating during the recovery period, which is less efficient and can negate savings. Smart thermostats like ecobee and Nest automatically account for heat pump recovery and optimize setback schedules to avoid triggering backup heat unnecessarily.

Thermostat Setback Savings Calculator