Save energy and money with this simple tip

When ice cycles start to form on the exterior of your house during cold summer months or you have flowers blooming in the spring you may be tempted to turn your thermostat up or down to keep comfortable.

One of the easiest ways to use excess energy, plus put a damper in your electric bill budget, is by setting your thermostat to the wrong temperature year-round.

I know it sounds crazy because of course you want to be as comfortable as possible but the more your house differs from the temperatures outside, the more energy you are using which means higher bills month after month.

The best temperature to set your thermostat to

It is recommended to have your thermostat set to 78 degrees in the summer months and 68 in the winter. 78 degrees may sound really hot to you now, but when the temperatures outside are over 85, 78 will be much more comfortable. To stay cool, wear short sleeves and shorts around your home and remove your socks when you crawl into bed. Change your flannel or heavy sheets and comforter to be a thinner one or use just a sheet.

In the winter, 68 will still likely give you chills but compared to negative degrees or temperatures 20-30 degrees cooler, it’ll be nice for you to keep your energy bills at bay while staying warm. And, if you need additional warmth, add on the layers or opt to walk around with a light jacket or scarf. If you continue to see an increase in your power bill, you can contact your Texas electricity providers, and they will assist you in keeping your expenses checked and under control.

The easiest way to ensure your home stays energy efficient with these temperatures is to invest in a programmable thermostat.

A programmable thermostat will allow you to set your home to be cooler or warmer while you’re away and in the home. Simply tell it when to crank up or drop the temperature. For instance, if you’re not in the house between 9-5 because you are at the office, you can have your temperature in your home be a bit cooler or warmer and then have it automatically set to either 78 or 68 right before you know you’ll be home.

To install a programmable thermostat, contact your local heating and cooling company, and they’ll send a technician to your home.