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on refrigerators. You could risk food poisoning if you tamper with this one. As a guide, fresh food compartments should range from 38 to 40 degrees F; the freezer should be about 5 degrees F and long term, rarely opened storage freezers should be kept at O degrees F. To maximise energy use on fridges and freezers, just take care how often the door is opened; less door opening, less pressure on maintaining the ideal temperature. In short, think twice which thermostats you reduce. The clothes dryer and dishwasher thermostat settings are worth considering.

5. But what if I am going away for a month or so?
Answer: YES! This is one time that the fridge setting could be changed. There would be no need to set the fridge at the lowest recommended level, because the door is not regularly opened. A set temperature can be maintained. But only up the temperature by a couple of degrees to be on the safe side. Further, take care short term perishable foodstuffs are not left in the fridge. The smell on holiday return is not nice, not to mention a thorough fridge clean out will mean more pressure on the thermostat and more wasted energy.

6. I have to ask, what about my electric blanket?
Answer: The thermostat should be set to a comfortable 68 degrees F. No more! Turn it off as you get into bed. Body heat will do the rest!

So, thermostats are a challenge. Answers on how to set your thermostat for maximum energy efficiency can vary, dependent on the season, dependent on the product recommendations and dependent on whether the home is occupied or not. However, wwwcare2.com has one final suggestion for the demanding room heating thermostat:
"Reduce the heat just one degree at a time and try it for a week. Each one-degree drop for an eight-hour period reduces your fuel bill percent. Gradually, you might be able to down three or even four degrees comfortably and save a chunk of money."

Sources
www.smarthouse.c om.au
www.pepco.com
www.care2.co m
www.sustainable.energy.sa.gov .au

Learn more about this author, Gemma Wiseman.
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