This is the ideal thermostat temperature for saving energy, says home designer Anthony Carrino

The HGTV star and serial renovator points out that many of us waste energy (and money) by overlooking this simple trick for keeping our living spaces cozy

relaxed living area with blue wall, beige sofa and cushions and throws
(Image credit: Neptune)

The increased cost of living is causing real concern, particularly when it comes to heating our homes as many areas are still experiencing extremely cold weather. One of the many ways to save energy at home in winter involves careful adjustments to your thermostat.

According to Anthony Carrino – a home designer, developer and Trane Residential partner known for his appearances on HGTV's Kitchen Cousins – there's an ideal temperature that will help you to conserve energy without wearing multiple jumpers at once.

Anthony has over 20 years of experience designing and building homes, and now has digital series called TheBuild.tv, which helps homeowners make their renovations a reality.

female hand adjusting a thermostat

(Image credit: Alamy)

Anthony Carrino's thermostat energy saving tip

'For optimal cost-effectiveness, a general guideline that many people overlook is to set your thermostat to about 68 degrees Fahrenheit while at home and to lower it about 10-12 degrees at night or when you're away,' says Anthony. This works out as around 20 degrees Celsius during the day and 13.3 degrees at night (which, we admit, sounds a little chilly).

But heating your home to around these temperatures will strike a good balance between comfort and energy efficiency. Even if your partner or housemate disagrees...

'Setting it and forgetting it with a smart thermostat is a no-brainer that can help reduce energy expenses this winter and year-round,' Anthony Carrino adds. 

HGTV's Kitchen Cousins stars Anthony Carrino and John Colaneri

(Image credit: Alamy)

If you usually change your thermostat manually, it's so easy to forget to lower it at night. But this often means we end up with a house that's warmer than we need it to be while we're tucked up under our best duvets.

If you want to cut down on bills, it might be time to invest in a good smart thermostat. These are incredibly useful as they allow you to change the temperature of your home remotely on your smartphone, tablet or computer, and create 'zones' at different temperatures throughout the house.

blue home office with fireplace, natural wooden desk and chair and table lamp

(Image credit: Neptune)

Anthony's 'set it and forget it' thermostat energy saving tip is well worth a go. Will you be trying it?

Millie joined Real Homes in early 2021 as a homes news writer. When she isn't writing about trends, makeovers and houseplant care, she spends her free time making tweaks to her rented flat in North London. Her next project is a very basic armchair reupholstering job to help create a cosy reading nook in her living room. She loves browsing antique centres, tending to her small front garden, and is never without some fresh flowers at home.


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