As a heat wave descends on Ohio and much of the United States, experts like the U.S. Department of Energy, Consumer Reports and others advise that raising your thermostat in the summer can help conserve energy and save money on your air conditioning bill.
And if you prefer your home a bit cooler, you are obviously spending more money.
Ohio is staring down a heat wave this week, with highs in the upper 90s and a heat index as high as 105 over the next few days. With temperatures that high, your AC will be putting in some overtime to keep the house comfortable.
So if you are adjusting your thermostat, how much will each degree cost or save you? Here’s what experts say.
What does 1 degree on your thermostat cost on your energy bill?
Each degree your raise your thermostat in the summer will save about 3% on your energy bill, Consumer Reports and the Department of Energy say. And each degree cooler you set your thermostat will cost you about 3% more.
In dollars and cents, that means each degree cooler you set your thermostat will cost an extra $3 if your bill averages $100 per month, or $4.50 if your bill is $150.
What’s the best temperature to set your air conditioner during heat advisory?
So what’s the best temperature for your air conditioner?
Experts like Energy Star recommend setting the thermostat to 78 degrees, to balance comfort and saving money.
But not everyone is comfortable at that setting. A Consumer Reports survey in 2021 found that the average temperature Americans set their thermostats is 71 degrees. The publication recommends agreeing on a temperature that everyone in the family is comfortable with, and follow Energy Star guidelines by increasing that 4 degrees when sleeping and 7 degrees when away from home.
How to get the most out of air conditioning during a heat wave
Consumer Reports also offers some suggestions on how to maximize your air conditioning:
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Turning thermostat down? Here’s what 1 degree costs you on energy bill
Reporting by Chad Murphy, USA TODAY NETWORK / Cincinnati Enquirer
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Chad Murphy, USA TODAY NETWORK | USA TODAY Network
