Save 3% for each degree lower in the winter...

[Moontidearts]

It's estimated that the average household can save 3% for every degree lower your thermostat is set, in a 24 hour period, during the winter. If you're used to 70 degrees, during the day, which is a reasonable temperature, and can get your family to wear extra layers and then lower your temp to 67 degrees, that's almost a 10% savings. Lower it a couple of degrees more at night for even more savings.

In my own case, and I know it's extreme, I keep my thermostat set at 53 degrees in the winter, day and night. I know...That sounds insane, but I like it on the cool side (cold, most would say, but it wasn't hard to get used to). I wear wool blend socks with sheepskin slippers around the house, sweat suits with "Cuddle Duds" (thin yet warm thermal undergarments...actually I buy the knock off brand that Walmart sells...not quite as soft but just as warm) underneath, and I always wear a scarf and often a hat, something I learned from my balding father. If I'm just sitting, watching TV or reading, I even sometimes put on a pair of thin gloves (as I age and my hands ache a bit), and I keep lots of warm throws around to cover up when sitting.

My favorite throw is a thick down one...MUCH cheaper than a similar quality queen sized comforter (and it fits nicely in my washing machine), and since I sleep alone, that's large enough to add just enough extra warmth for the bed. I don't even put blankets on the bed, just two top sheets, a standard, decorative, cotton/poly filled comforter and that down throw. Sure it's chilly for the first couple of minutes in bed, but my body heat quickly warms me (and an old fashioned water bottle for the really chilly nights). A proven fact is, people sleep better, longer and deeper when the room is cooler, so loads of blankets isn't a good idea...better to put up with being a bit chilly for those first few minutes while your body warms the bed and then sleep better the night through.

I've been living like this for about five years now, and it's never made me ill or caused me any other problems. (Just so you don't think I'm completely nuts, I should mention that I do raise the temperature or light a fire when company comes over.) It's not just a frugal thing, keeping the house chilly, but it's also healthier...no mold here, and it keeps me up and moving around more. Being forced to get up and move around is important since I work from home, as a writer, and I can find myself sitting at the computer for hours at a time, so that chilly motivation prevents me from forgetting to move my butt out of my chair.

I know my cold temp living wouldn't work for a lot of folks, but I think it does demonstrate that almost anyone can lower their thermostat at least a few degrees which can significantly reduce your utility bill.

P.S. Even if you don't pay a heating bill, lowering your thermostat is an environmental savings. That was my main reason for adopting this way of life.

[amecoy75002]

We keep our home on the cool side also in the winter (60 - 65). If you asked my kids what phrases they remember from their childhood - they would be 1) I love you 2) put on a sweater it is NOT cold in here!

I hate to be hot, makes me sleepy and I grew up in a house with only two wall heaters for the whole house. We always wore sweaters and had "snuggle blankets " for TV and reading.

Great reminder! Thanks