As a homeowner in Indiana, you’re always looking for ways to save money on your energy bill — especially during the peak of summer and winter. One of the most common tips is adjusting your thermostat. But how much can you really save by turning your thermostat up in summer or down in winter?
Let’s break down exactly how thermostat changes affect your energy use, how much you can expect to save, and what makes the biggest difference. Plus, we’ll share tables with estimated savings based on your home size and thermostat settings.
Why Thermostat Settings Matter
Your HVAC system is one of the largest energy consumers in your home, often accounting for nearly 50% of your monthly utility bill. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) estimates that adjusting your thermostat by just 1 degree for at least 8 hours a day can save 1% on your energy bill per year. That means adjusting by 7-10 degrees for consistent periods could lead to 7–10% savings annually.
Let’s break that down into real dollars.
Estimated Savings Based on Thermostat Changes
The chart below shows average annual savings based on home size and the number of degrees you adjust your thermostat for at least 8 hours per day. These are estimates based on typical Indiana HVAC usage, and assume an average energy cost of $0.13 per kWh.
| Home Size | 1°F Change | 3°F Change | 5°F Change | 7°F Change | 10°F Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,000 sq. ft | $15/year | $45/year | $75/year | $105/year | $150/year |
| 1,500 sq. ft | $22/year | $66/year | $110/year | $154/year | $220/year |
| 2,000 sq. ft | $30/year | $90/year | $150/year | $210/year | $300/year |
| 2,500 sq. ft | $38/year | $114/year | $190/year | $266/year | $380/year |
| 3,000 sq. ft | $45/year | $135/year | $225/year | $315/year | $450/year |
Note: These savings apply whether you’re turning the temperature up in summer (to use less air conditioning) or down in winter (to use less heating).
Summer Thermostat Settings: Cooler Isn’t Always Better
In the summer, the DOE recommends setting your thermostat to 78°F when you’re home and 85°F when you’re away. Every degree below 78°F increases your cooling costs by 6-8%.
Here’s an example of what that could mean in July:
Example:
- Home size: 2,000 sq. ft
- Average July electric bill: $180
- Thermostat set to 72°F vs 78°F
You could spend up to 36-48% more on cooling. That’s an extra $65–$85 just for that month.
Winter Thermostat Settings: Lowering Pays Off
In the winter, the recommended setting is 68°F during the day and 60–62°F at night or when you’re away. Heating is expensive, especially for electric systems. Reducing your thermostat setting by 1 degree for 8 hours can save about 1% of your heating bill.
Example:
- Home size: 2,000 sq. ft
- Average January gas/electric heating bill: $220
- Lowering thermostat from 72°F to 66°F (6 degrees for 10 hours/day)
You could save around 6–10% for the month, or $13–$22.
Smart Thermostats Make It Even Easier
Programmable and smart thermostats help homeowners stick to energy-saving temperature settings without having to think about it. Models like Nest or ecobee learn your patterns and automatically adjust the temperature when you’re away or asleep.
DOE studies show smart thermostats can reduce heating and cooling bills by 10–12% on average annually. That’s an easy $150–$300 a year in savings for a typical home in Indiana.
Best Practices for Thermostat Use
To maximize your savings while staying comfortable:
- Set it and forget it: Use a programmable or smart thermostat to maintain consistent settings.
- Use fans in summer: Circulating air makes higher temps feel more comfortable.
- Dress for the season: Layering up in winter or using breathable fabrics in summer reduces reliance on your HVAC.
- Zone your heating and cooling: If your system supports it, only heat or cool rooms you use frequently.
Is It Worth It? Let’s Do the Math
Let’s say you own a 2,000 sq. ft home and you adjust your thermostat by just 5 degrees for 10 hours/day in both summer and winter. That’s about:
- $150/year in summer
- $150/year in winter
- Total: $300/year in energy savings
Take Control of Your Home’s Comfort and Efficiency
Adjusting your thermostat is one of the simplest, lowest-cost ways to save money on your utility bills. Whether you’re using a manual, programmable, or smart thermostat, small changes add up over time—especially here in Indiana where summers can be hot and winters bitter cold.
If your home still feels uncomfortable or your bills seem too high, it may be time for a professional energy assessment or HVAC tune-up.
Jackson Air offers EPA-certified blower door testing, HVAC servicing, and energy-efficiency upgrades in Madison, IN, Columbus, IN, Seymour, IN, and surrounding areas.
Get in touch with us today to schedule your service and start saving more on your energy bills—without sacrificing comfort.
Contact Jackson Air for professional HVAC inspection services and keep your system running smoothly. Located in Madison, Indiana and servicing southern Indiana.
