National news outlets recently reported that the EPA's Energy Star program recommended "new drastic temperature settings" for home thermostats. We searched the internet and could not find a credible source for this information and so turned to Energy Star directly, for more information. Just as we thought, Energy Star confirmed they DID NOT release a report with any such recommendations.  

Here is the Energy Star Department's response to our inquiry:

Contrary to recent news, ENERGY STAR is not recommending that thermostats be set to 78 degrees F or any other specific temperature during the cooling season. The ENERGY STAR program has not released a report making such a recommendation. 

As the ENERGY STAR Programmable Thermostats webpage states “The key is to establish a program that automatically reduces heating and cooling in your home when you don't need as much. In order to save energy, consider a temperature set-up of 7 degrees in summer and a setback of 8 degrees in winter when your home is unoccupied for long periods of time and a 4 degree adjustment when occupants are asleep.” 

For more information, the website also provides Rules of Thumb for Proper Use that provides additional context and guidance for usage.

This is a good lesson for all of us. "Believe only 50% of what you see and none of what you hear and read", as our grandparents used to say, Go to the source and check the context.

Priority Energy is an Energy Star partner and provides Energy Star Ratings for homeowners and performance testing and certification for builders. For a more energy efficient, comfortable and healthy home, contact us first.