Different use of thermostats across the country
The EPA conducted research into programable energy thermostats.
Through its research, EPA has found that among households using thermostats for heating, it is estimated that about half of all households (49%) usually do not have someone home during the day.
However, during the winter, less than half (42%) of households report turning the heat down and only 2% completely turn the heat off. A slightly higher percentage of households reported turning the heat down (46%) or off (6%) during sleep hours.
The question remains as to why such a large proportion of households do not appear to be adjusting their thermostats according to occupancy. EPA has identified several striking demographic patterns in reported setback practices.
Whilst one can speculate some facts have been gathered from the research.
For example, Californians turn back their heat at a more substantial setback than the national average and those in the coldest regions turn back their heat at lower rates than the national average. Further analysis of these patterns and underlying behavior may provide valuable insight to consumer practices and the potential for modifying these patterns with the aim of reducing energy consumption.