Set Your Thermostat to This Temperature While You’re on Vacation To Save Up To 10%

While your air conditioner is there to keep you cool this summer, you won’t need that comfort when you’re away on vacation. If you want to save on your electric bill while you’re gone, the U.S. Department of Energy suggests setting your thermostat seven to 10 degrees higher than usual.

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If you maintain that higher temperature for at least eight hours daily, each degree change could cut your electric bill by 1%. This means you could save up to 10%.

Your exact savings will depend on your energy use, the type of cooling system you have and how long you’re away. The U.S. Energy Information Administration reported that the average monthly electric bill this summer is expected to be $173, which is around $43 per week. If that’s your average bill and you take a two-week vacation, 10% in savings could add up to $8 to $9.

How Much You Could Save

According to Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning and Plumbing, you can usually safely set your thermostat temperature to as high as 85 degrees when you’re gone. If you normally keep it at 78 degrees, then this seven-degree increase could save you 7% on energy costs, and you could see 10% in savings if your usual temperature is 75 degrees. But keep in mind that you might see lower savings if you’re in a harsher climate.

While this might not seem like much, consider that you can save on energy costs throughout the year by adjusting your thermostat — higher in summer and cooler in winter — whenever nobody is home. You might consider a smart thermostat so you can manage the settings at home and away.

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Considerations for Choosing a Temperature

Picking a high temperature could maximize your energy savings while you’re on summer vacation, but it may not suit all situations.

For example, P.K. Wadsworth Heating and Cooling suggested a cooler setting of 77 to 78 degrees to address concerns about damage to certain items and high humidity in the summer. If you’ll have pets or a house sitter in your home, you’ll also need a cooler temperature while you’re away.

Remember that raising the setting even by a few degrees can still yield some savings.

Other Ways To Lower Energy Costs During Summer Vacation

Besides wisely setting your thermostat, you can help reduce energy costs by turning off or unplugging unnecessary electronics and appliances before you leave. You should also address any air leaks and keep blinds and curtains closed to let less of the sun in. Plus, keep your air conditioner running efficiently with regular tune-ups and filter changes.

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com : Set Your Thermostat to This Temperature While You’re on Vacation To Save Up To 10%