Turn Down Your Thermostat This Winter

Cold weather is coming soon, and no one is looking forward to another polar vortex like last winter. We know many of you are concerned about keeping your electric and gas bills down as much as possible this year – and we want to help. Here are some tips that may help you better manage your thermostat and still remain comfortable this winter.

The heating and air conditioning system is the biggest energy user in your apartment home. The temperature at which you set the thermostat directly affects how much it costs to heat your apartment. Lowering your thermostat even by a few degrees this winter will save you money.

• Set the thermostat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit for a start. 
• After a week, try lowering your “normal” thermostat setting all day, all night, every day to 65 degrees for even more savings. Lowering your setting by three degrees will save you up to 10% on your heating costs.
• You can save even more by lowering the thermostat when no one is home or when you are sleeping. 
• The longer your apartment stays at the lower temperature, the more you save.
• When you want a little more heat, adjust the thermostat in small increments, a degree at a time. The thermostat is not like the gas pedal in your car – turning it to the highest setting does not heat your apartment any faster. This actually wastes more energy.
• If your apartment gets too warm, don’t open a window. Lower the thermostat setting instead.
• Do not place a lamp, television, computer or any other device that creates heat near your thermostat.
• The filters in your air handler should be changed regularly to keep your system operating more efficiently and effectively. If you think your filter is dirty, contact your community’s leasing office or enter a service request. They will replace your filter free of charge.

You will soon become accustomed to your new thermostat settings, and then you can slowly lower it even more. Put on a sweater or a sweatshirt and throw an extra blanket on the bed. You will be surprised at how much money you can save on your apartment’s energy bills by being a little proactive this winter.