5 No Cost Ways to Save In winter turn down your thermostat to 68 degrees: Every 1% setback = 3% savings on heating bill. Wear warm clothing to stay comfortable. Set the thermostat back to 55 degrees when away or sleeping (save 5-20%). In summer with central cooling, turn up your thermostat to 78 degrees: Dress appropriately. Set up during the day if no one home. Turn off window units when not in the room.