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Aaron Mtuanwi, INSPIRED TO SERVE Atlanta, GA [Metro Atlanta Area] (LBBM Brokers, Inc)

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Rainmaker
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Diana Zaccaro Broker Associate
ZOOM Realty Group - Cocoa Beach, FL
"The Accidental Blogger" Cocoa Beach, Florida

Aaron, That's a bit of a trick question since the thermostat temperature is just one part of energy costs. You can ask your electric company if they do a free energy study for your home with recommendations on how to save on energy costs. We had that done years ago and it was surprising what they recommended and how many things there are that can be done besides watching the temperature.

 

Oct 17, 2016 01:14 PM
Rainmaker
3,986,258
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

WEll the closer it is set to the outside temp, the less your furnace will run

Oct 17, 2016 11:08 AM
Rainmaker
2,817,671
Debbie Gartner
The Flooring Girl - White Plains, NY
The Flooring Girl & Blog Stylist -Dynamo Marketers

I don't think we are the right people to ask...you should try experts.  All that aside, I think it depends season and outdoor vs indoor temperature.

And, to save, use fans in summer, make sure place well insulated and use timers.

In general, in winter, it will save costs if temp is lower, but it will be less comfortable and vice versa in summer.

I would test to see what's comfortable to YOU.

Oct 17, 2016 09:06 AM
Rainmaker
1,231,853
Mary Yonkers
Alan Kells School of Real Estate/Howard Hanna Real Estate - Erie, PA
Erie/PA Real Estate Instructor

I prefer comfortable. When I am on vacation I turn the thermostat down but have a family member check the house periodically or after storms.

Oct 17, 2016 08:48 PM
Rainmaker
815,253
Paul Antonelli
Antonelli Realty - Saint Cloud, FL
Broker Owner; Antonelli Realty

here in Florida we keep vacant homes at 79, just enough to keep the air moving so not to cause mold.

Oct 17, 2016 08:35 PM
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Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

What does your local utility company have to say? We can also save energy in our area by running appliances such as the dishwasher, washer and dryer at off hours (before 9 am, after 6 pm). Diana Zaccaro has a great suggestion about an energy audit

Oct 17, 2016 01:15 PM
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Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@Properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

You don't want it so low that the pipes freeze!

Oct 17, 2016 12:22 PM
Rainmaker
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Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

You need to check with different providers for their suggestions.

Oct 17, 2016 12:11 PM
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Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

Thermostat on air conditioner = 68-70 degrees

Thermostat on hot water heater = 170 - 180 degrees

  I know, that is not energy efficient, but those are the preferences for my wife!

The real answer is 78 degrees for the air conditioner, 120 for the water heater.

Oct 17, 2016 11:03 AM
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Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

The answer is in your question.  

Oct 17, 2016 10:25 AM
Rainmaker
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Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

A number of factors any babies, sick, people with poor circulation? During Carter days he was the one puts on a sweater and mandate it was set  at 65 deg F in all government offices.  You turn it low at night.  Activate it only when you are at home.  I have blogged at least 5 times on how to save energy and got an interested people ask my opinion on solar. No, I do not have solar and unlikely to have it since it has been very low all these years. I designed the home and have energy conservation built in. 

Oct 17, 2016 09:38 AM
Rainmaker
864,658
Les & Sarah Oswald
Realty One Group - Eastvale, CA
Broker, Realtor and Investor

It depends, but I believe a range between 70 degrees to 75 degrees should be comfortable to the large population.

Oct 17, 2016 08:43 AM
Rainmaker
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Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

Set it 2 degrees above your most comfrotable cooling temp and 2 degrees under your most comfortable heat setting and you will save money.

Nov 26, 2016 08:49 PM
Rainmaker
1,153,794
Kevin J. May
Florida Supreme Realty - Hobe Sound, FL
Serving the Treasure & Paradise Coasts of Florida

Set it higher in summer and lower in the winter. It'll all depend on how much clothing you're willing to put on during the latter and how much you can take off during the former.

Oct 18, 2016 03:04 AM
Rainmaker
1,466,207
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Aaron Mtuanwi I believe DOE recommends 78 degrees during the Summer and 68 degrees in the Winter months.

Oct 18, 2016 12:08 AM
Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

ditto to what Diana Zaccaro stated.... good stuff....

Oct 17, 2016 10:07 PM
Rainmaker
7,835,282
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

This is a matter of personal preference. Older people often want a warmer home. Heavy folks like it cooler. 

68 degrees during the winter may be a good idea for savings but not comfortable for some of the occupants.

Oct 17, 2016 09:59 PM
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Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

If saving energy costs is your primary concern, turn the unit off.  LOL   There are a number of ways to save energy costs in addition to the thermostat control... like turning the temperature of your water heater temperature down, using your dryer efficiently, grilling more instead of using the stove/cooktop... etc, etc, etc. 

Oct 17, 2016 06:20 PM
Rainmaker
1,157,785
FN LN
Toronto, ON

There are numerous factors involved.  If different providers are providing you with different suggestions, then there is not likely one best answer.

Oct 17, 2016 05:07 PM
Rainmaker
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Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

I don't know. I set my thermostat at what's comfortable to me.

Oct 17, 2016 03:52 PM
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Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

well that depends on if the heat or air is on....   But in the end my setting isn't about saving, it's about my comfort

Oct 17, 2016 03:42 PM
Rainmaker
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Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Aaron Mtuanwi - I'd rather feel comfortable myself first and then think of saving on energy bills....lol!

Oct 17, 2016 03:24 PM
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Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

During the winter we keep the heat at 60

Summer we keep the AC at 82

Oct 17, 2016 01:21 PM
Rainmaker
1,617,916
Harry F. D'Elia III
WEDO Real Estate and Beyond, LLC - Phoenix, AZ
Investor , Mentor, GRI, Radio, CIPS, REOs, ABR

I set mine on 72

Oct 17, 2016 12:38 PM
Rainmaker
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Lise Howe
Keller Williams Capital Properties - Washington, DC
Assoc. Broker in DC, MD, VA and attorney in DC

68 in winter - 74 in summer

Oct 17, 2016 12:37 PM
Rainmaker
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Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

I do not know.

Oct 17, 2016 10:51 AM
Rainmaker
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Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

Depends on the climate but normally I just set it to one temperature.

Oct 17, 2016 10:09 AM
Rainmaker
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Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

78 during the day

Nothing at night

Oct 17, 2016 09:57 AM
Rainer
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Sal Guardino
C2 Financial Corporation - Milpitas, CA
CFP TM / Mortgage & Reverse Mortgage Specialist

70

Oct 17, 2016 09:22 AM
Rainmaker
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Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Aaron,

I would check with your local provider.  A

Oct 17, 2016 09:11 AM
Rainmaker
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Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

68 and keep it there

 

Oct 19, 2016 09:41 AM
Rainmaker
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Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

I keep mine at 66 in the winter, and wear layers, seems to save $$.

Oct 19, 2016 06:22 AM
Rainmaker
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Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

In Florida, 80 and humidistat at 60%

Oct 19, 2016 05:09 AM
Rainmaker
989,652
Jennifer Mackay
Counts Real Estate Group, Inc. - Panama City, FL
Your Bay County Florida Realtor 850.774.6582

Depends where you are I guess - I prefer 78-80 in summer in Florida with ceiling fans on

Oct 18, 2016 04:47 AM
Rainmaker
4,800,082
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

For Florida in the summer, I would suggest something below 77 degrees.  But, the best is a humidistat which can be set for under 65% which will keep mold from forming.

Oct 18, 2016 12:40 AM
Rainmaker
3,071,489
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

Debbie Gartner nailed this one!

Oct 17, 2016 11:24 PM
Rainmaker
5,216,284
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Not sure. Most set it to their comfort level and not all agree!

Oct 17, 2016 10:59 PM
Rainmaker
823,579
Susan Laxson CRS
Palm Properties - La Quinta, CA
Realtor in San Diego, CA & Naples, FL

Lots of good responses already. My family wants comfort more than energy cost savings, so it is often a struggle.

Oct 17, 2016 10:47 PM
Rainmaker
3,416,038
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

I tend to keep my heat at 70 , 67 at night and for AC from 70-72

Oct 17, 2016 10:27 PM
Rainmaker
1,844,171
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

70 is too low for AC that's for sure. I think it depends on your area. 68 degs for heat in my area is just my threshod for freezing to death.

Oct 17, 2016 10:04 PM
Rainmaker
2,224,473
Debbie Laity
Cedaredge Land Company - Cedaredge, CO
Your Real Estate Resource for Delta County, CO

I would keep it in the low 70s. 

Oct 17, 2016 08:54 AM