Thermostat Savings Calculator
Estimate annual HVAC savings from adjusting your thermostat by a few degrees using the 1% per degree rule of thumb.
Estimated Annual Savings
$20
Estimated Annual Savings vs Annual Heating/Cooling Cost
Formula
## Thermostat Savings Rule of Thumb The Department of Energy estimates you can save about 1% on heating and cooling costs for each degree you adjust your thermostat for 8 hours. ### Formula **Savings = Annual Cost x Degrees x (Hours Adjusted / 24) x 1%** This applies to setback (cooler in winter, warmer in summer) during sleep or away periods. A programmable or smart thermostat automates this for consistent savings.
Esempio Risolto
$2,000 annual HVAC cost, thermostat adjusted 3°F for 8 hours/day.
- 01Savings factor = 3 x (8/24) x 0.01 = 0.01 (1%)
- 02Annual savings = $2,000 x 0.01 = $20
- 03Monthly savings = $20 / 12 = $1.67
Domande Frequenti
Is this estimate accurate?
The 1% rule is a DOE approximation. Actual savings depend on insulation, climate, heat pump vs furnace, and outdoor temperature. Savings are larger in moderate climates.
Should I turn off my HVAC when away?
For extended absences, yes. For daily schedules, setback (not off) is better. Turning off completely in extreme weather risks frozen pipes or excessive heat buildup.
Do smart thermostats really save money?
Studies show 10-15% savings on heating and 10-12% on cooling from smart thermostats. They learn your schedule and optimize automatically.
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