June 8 2015

Temperate Zone 

There is a range of temperatures, typically between 18 degC and 24 degC, within which most of us feel comfortable. Below this range, we tend to start layering up in heavier clothes, whilst above this range we seek shade. So it is reasonable to expect that most of us will set our household thermostats to maintain this range.

A recent survey by Sageline Consulting found that the average thermostat setting is 22 degC both in winter and summer. But this simple result masks some more complicated behaviour. 

A third of respondents set a higher temperature in summer than in winter. On average 4 degrees higher. This group of people enjoy ambient temperatures within this range: setting their heating to operate when temperatures fall below their lower preferred limit and their air conditioning to operate when temperatures rise above their upper preferred limit. 

A third of respondents set the same temperature year round. Typically, 22 degC. Whilst this is a simple strategy, it can be costly as they are paying for heating whenever the temperature lies between 18 and 22 degC and for A/C whenever the temperature lies between 22 and 24 degC. In truth, they would probably be just as comfortable, and certainly better off financially, setting the thermostat higher in summer and lower in winter.

The remaining third of respondents set their houses to be cooler in summer than in winter. On average 3 degrees lower. This is an expensive practice and an unnecessary waste of energy.

It seems that for the majority of us there is still a need for customer education, and that wider adoption of smart thermostats such as provided by Nest or Ecobee has the potential to deliver substantial energy savings.