2° for Change
Just a few clicks on your thermostat can save energy and protect our air.
Join us, and make a difference.
Adjust your thermostat setpoint by 2° (up in the summer and down in the winter) and save energy. This directly impacts greenhouse gas emissions, local air quality and utility costs. Not only will you be saving energy - you'll be positively impacting the health of those around you.
Your small actions are important. They add up.
Most spaces are over-cooled in the summer and over-heated in the winter.
Have you ever stepped outside of a building on a hot day, climbed into a blistering hot car, and felt comfort from the temperature change?
That's a good indicator that the building you came out of was over-cooled.
Raising your thermostat by 2° when cooling (in the summer) and lowering it by 2° when heating (in the winter) isn't difficult. It can make a lasting impact. This simple action saves energy and affects the air that we breathe.
The United States Department of Energy estimates about 6% energy savings for each degree of cooling setpoint adjustment.
Here's what you can do:
AT HOME:
- Saving energy and costs depends on which type of thermostat you have. Determine your model and follow the links for information on how to adjust the setpoints on your thermostat:
AT WORK:
- In the summer, set your thermostat as high as comfortably possible while office space is occupied. After business hours, raise your thermostat more (or turn it off altogether). Of course, in a shared office space it's important to be considerate. The health, comfort and general well-being of you and your coworkers should take precedence. Comfort doesn't depend solely on your thermostat setpoints. There are many factors. Comfort is impacted by what you're doing, how much clothing you're wearing and how much the air is moving. In a typical office or classroom setting, most people are comfortable between about 71° and 76° F.
Join us in making this change.
Chances are, you won't even notice a difference in your comfort level.
FAQs:
What can I do to maximize my impact and help this change persist?
- Consider changes to your choice of clothing as a first step in achieving comfort (ex: sleeve length, clothing thickness, amount of layers, etc.)
- Think about your thermostat setpoints, both where you are and where you're not. When no one is in a space, we can expand setpoints significantly to capture even more energy savings and make a greater impact.
- Turn on your ceiling fan and make sure that it's spinning the correct direction (pushing down air for cooling, pulling up air for heating). Fans don't actually cool (in fact, they actually add some heat), but moving air can make you feel significantly cooler and more comfortable at a higher temperature. Make sure to turn fans off when you leave a space. Fans can also help with comfort in the winter when you reverse their direction and they help mix warm ceiling air.
- If it's cool outside, open your windows to let in the cooler air. When it starts to warm up later in the day, close them to trap the cool air inside.
How often should I be adjusting my thermostat setpoints?
It is good practice to review your thermostat programming periodically to ensure functionality and compare against actual needs. It's not very difficult, and taking control of your thermostat setpoints will ensure that you're maximizing comfort levels and energy efficiency.
What is a smart thermostat?
A smart thermostat is a device that allows you to remotely control your thermostat settings via a mobile or internet-connected device. This provides for a much higher level of control and results in greater convenience and more energy savings.
How much does a smart thermostat cost?
The national average cost of a smart thermostat is $171. Most manufacturers claim that you'll recoup the cost in 18 - 24 months.
What other things can I do to save energy in my home?
There are more ways to save energy, ranging from the purchase of energy-efficient appliances to replacing incandescent light bulbs.