Cooler than average temperatures have hit northern California, and the reality of heating our homes for winter has set in. In my experience, most people like to keep their homes comfortably warm, so that they are only wearing a light weight clothes while inside; however, there are many benefits to lowering your thermostat and wearing a sweater. Remember, it is almost winter out there!
Our attire should reflect the outside temperature in our region, and thus our homes would not have to kept as warm if we dressed appropriately. According to Live Earth, just lowering your thermostat two degrees will save 4% on your energy bill and prevent 500 pounds of CO2 from entering the atmosphere! Two degrees is hardly noticeable when proper layers are worn. Even for families like mine that heat with wood, conservation is still important, and less word burned is better for our environment too.
I have heard many people complain about making small changes in their lifestyles for the environment, and many people simply write off small changes as not enough. We all need to make small sacrifices to bring about positive climate change, and it is one way to feel empowered as an individual. I may not be able to afford the electric vehicle of my dreams, but I can afford to wear a sweater I already own. I always look forward to the cooler temperatures and wearing layered clothing. If adding an extra layer can help reduce my carbon footprint, then I am ready to bundle up!
“…just lowering your thermostat two degrees will save 4% on your energy bill and prevent 500 pounds of CO2 from entering the atmosphere!”
Lowering it two degrees from what reference point?
If I lower my thermostat two degrees each year at some point won’t the inside temperature be the same as the outside temperature?
Two degrees is in reference to your typical winter time thermostat setting. For example, if you typically set your thermostat to 70 degrees in the winter, you would lower it to 68 degrees. Obviously there is a personal comfort level, and this tip did not intend that you perpetually lower your thermostat two additional degrees each winter until you matching the outside temperature. The point is to play around with your layering of clothing and your thermostat and see if you can make a small change. You may find that you can lower your thermostat even more than two degrees.
How low can you go?
I’m trying to set the thermostat for the room I type in all day as low as possible – but I’m surprised that 65 degrees F is as low as I can go. Even with two pairs of heavy socks with slippers, two pairs of pants, a T-shirt, turtleneck, sweatshirt, and my down coat (that I wear outside in the winter), I’m not comfortable for long sitting at a desk if the temperature is below 65 degrees. I already look like the Michelin Man. I am wondering if I will need to wear gloves to lower the thermostat more and keep working at the computer. What are other people’s experiences? Or do I just need a down snow suit?