When temperatures drop in Austin, many homeowners assume simply turning up the heat is the best way to stay comfortable. But the truth is, your thermostat settings play a huge role in both your comfort and your monthly energy bills. Here are three common thermostat habits that could be costing you money this winter.

1. Keeping the Heat Too High
It might feel cozy to set the thermostat to 75°F or higher, but that comfort comes at a steep price. Every degree you raise your thermostat can increase your heating costs by 3–5%. A better option is to set your thermostat around 68°F during the day and use warm clothing or blankets to stay comfortable.

2. Forgetting to Adjust While You’re Away
Heating an empty home wastes energy. If you’re at work or away for several hours, lowering your thermostat by 7–10 degrees can save up to 10% a year on heating costs. Smart thermostats make this even easier by automatically adjusting based on your schedule.

3. Setting Large Temperature Swings
Some homeowners drop the thermostat drastically at night and then crank it up in the morning. This forces your HVAC system to work harder, leading to higher bills and more wear and tear. Instead, aim for gradual changes or use programmable settings for smooth, efficient transitions.

The Bottom Line
Small thermostat adjustments add up. If you notice higher-than-usual bills, Clifford’s HVAC can help with system inspections, thermostat upgrades, and energy-saving solutions.