Defining Thermostat Setback

QUESTION:

What is thermostat setback?

ANSWER:

Thermostat setback refers to the practice of setting your thermostat at a higher- or lower-than-normal temperature so your air conditioner or furnace will run less during periods when you need less cooling or heating. The most appropriate times to set back your thermostat are when you are sleeping and anytime you expect to be away from the house for several hours.

Thermostat setback is an excellent way to cut your energy bills. For every degree you set your thermostat up in summer and down in winter, you can reduce your heating- and cooling-related energy use by about 2% or 3%—assuming the setback period lasts for several hours (such as overnight) each day. Setback is particularly easy if you use a programmable, electronic setback thermostat.