SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/thermostat-setback-ten-percent

Turn your thermostat back 7 to 10 degrees for 8 hours a day. How much could you save?

Up to 10% a year on heating and cooling.

Start playing free

The Just Right card

Too littleLeave it at one setting forever
Too muchShut the system off all winter
Just rightCompatible system, 7 to 10 degrees for 8 hours

Huh, didn't know that: Heat pumps need compatible programmable thermostats to make setbacks cost effective.

The dad joke
Why did the house go to the doctor? It had window panes.
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: Up to 10% a year. For many systems, a cooler house in winter, or warmer in summer, loses or gains heat more slowly, so the system runs less. A 7°F to 10°F setback for 8 hours can save up to 10% a year.

  1. U.S. Department of Energy: Home Upgrades www.energy.gov/save/home-upgrades
    save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling
    Checked 2026-10-09.
  2. U.S. Department of Energy: Home Upgrades www.energy.gov/save/home-upgrades
    turning your thermostat back 7°-10°F for 8 hours a day from its normal setting.
    Checked 2026-10-09.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

Home & YardViewed from below in summer, which way should your ceiling fan spin?Home & YardWill setting the heater to 90 degrees usually warm a cold house faster?Home & YardWhat gas goes in your lawn mower?

That's stuff everyone should know.