Small thermostat changes can cut energy costs without reducing comfort

ZDNET's Maria Diaz says making small thermostat adjustments can lower energy bills without making a home uncomfortable. The article notes that changing a thermostat by a single degree can save about 1–3% on energy costs. Diaz explains that HVAC systems run periodic cycles and that a larger gap between outdoor and target temperatures makes those cycles longer and more frequent.

Small tweaks—such as raising or lowering the usual temperature by three degrees—help the system run more efficiently. She gives examples: setting winter temperature to 67 instead of 70 and summer to 74 instead of 71 to reduce compressor or burner use. The piece also recommends wider temperature ranges (at least 10 degrees), scheduling on smart thermostats, and using eco mode to keep temperatures within a comfortable but wider band.

Diaz says she uses two schedules on her Google Nest thermostats, and notes eco mode is available on Nest, Ecobee and the Amazon Smart Thermostat. She describes using external sensors, Matter-compatible devices and room sensors (she mentions SwitchBot Thermometers) to target specific rooms, and automations that trigger heat when a sensor reads below a set point.

Diaz also highlights geolocation automations that raise or lower temperatures when occupants leave or return, requiring location permissions and, in some apps, a mapped perimeter.

Key Topics

Tech, Smart Thermostat, Google Nest, Ecobee, Amazon Smart Thermostat, Switchbot Thermometers