By setting your home and office heating systems just a few degrees lower, you'll save a sizable amount of energy. And you'll make your mother happy by wearing that ugly sweater she gave you last Christmas! You can save big. Most households shell out 50% to 70% of their energy budgets on heating and cooling, reports the Department of Energy. Yet, for every degree you lower the thermostat, you'll save between 1% and 3% of your heating bill.