How much fuel savings can be expected from lowering the thermostat setting by 5 degrees?

• A. 10%
• B. 15%
• C. 20%
• D. 25%

Answer: (C)

Lowering the thermostat setting by 5 degrees can lead to a significant reduction in fuel consumption. This is primarily because heating systems do not have to work as hard to maintain the desired temperature, which translates to decreased energy expenditure. The common consensus in energy efficiency studies indicates that lowering the thermostat by 5 degrees can typically save about 20% on heating costs over a period of time. This percentage can vary based on several factors, such as the type of heating system, insulation quality, and outside temperature conditions, but 20% is a generally accepted average for this level of thermostat adjustment.

In practical terms, when you lower the thermostat, the heating system cycles less frequently, which reduces the amount of fuel burned. This not only results in financial savings on energy bills but also contributes to lower greenhouse gas emissions, making it an environmentally friendly practice as well.