Does turning the heat down at night save money?
Turning your thermostat down at night then back up in the morning does actually use less energy and save you money.
While some homeowners have considered turning off their heat at night in an attempt to lower their heating bills, it generally is not recommended as a viable option. The fact is, turning your heat off at night creates more potential risk for your home and your family than it does savings on your energy bill.
According to Energy.gov, the better way to save money on heating bills is to set back the temperature of your home at least 8 degrees for 8 hours or longer (while you sleep). In fact, you can save 1% on your heating bill for every degree that you lower the thermostat.
Keeping your home at a constant temperature generally means that your HVAC system will run constantly to meet it. This means that your furnace or air conditioner may run when you're asleep, at work, or out of the house. This wastes more energy than the minimal amount that you might save by having it constantly run.
ANSWER: Turning your heat on and off is not cost effective, since your system will have to work extra hard for extra long to get the temperature back up.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a family that sets back its thermostat by about 10 to 15 degrees for eight hours a day while sleeping or out of the house can save 5 to 15 percent a year on home heating costs.
Set your thermostat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter
According to ENERGY STAR, setting your thermostat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) when you're home is the ideal balance of comfort and energy efficiency.
A better idea: Turn the heat down, not off
Here's the secret: Set the temperature of your home at least eight degrees lower for the eight hours or so that you sleep at night. Every degree you lower the thermostat can net you an estimated 1% off your heating bill.
Off vs Down: A Better Solution for You and Your Energy Bill
For the reasons listed here among others, turning your heat off during the day or night is never a good solution. Turning the heat down eliminates these issues, while still reducing the amount of energy you use.
The startup process for a furnace consumes more energy than simply running the entire time at one set temperature, costing you additional money. To maximize efficiency, it's best to keep your furnace (or AC) at the same consistent temperature for long periods of time.
What is the most efficient way to heat a home?
In most cases, heat pumps are the most efficient way to heat your older home. They work by transferring heat from outside your home to the inside of your home and they also double as an air conditioning system in the warmer months—a win-win.
- Plug leaks in your home.
- Invest in new windows.
- Utilize heating hacks.
- Install solar panels.
- Buy a smart thermostat.
- Run ceiling fans.
- Draw the shades.
- Turn off standby appliances.
- Install a smart thermostat.
- Turn down your thermostat.
- Buy efficient appliances.
- Install a new boiler.
- Wash clothes at a lower temperature.
- Be smarter about water.
- Invest in double glazing.
Below 13° - If your home is this cold, it may increase your blood pressure and risk of cardiovascular disease. 14-15° - If your home is this cold, you may be diminishing your resistance to respiratory diseases.
The U.S. Department of Energy says an indoor temperature of 65 degrees Fahrenheit at night is best. Setting your thermostat to a lower temperature at night may actually help you sleep better. Medical experts know that our body temperature drops at night.
Off vs Down: A Better Solution for You and Your Energy Bill
For the reasons listed here among others, turning your heat off during the day or night is never a good solution. Turning the heat down eliminates these issues, while still reducing the amount of energy you use.
Turn Down the Thermostat at Night...
Sleep scientists suggest that for optimal sleeping conditions, room temperature should be between 60 and 67°F. That figure is considerably lower than the daytime recommendation, furthering your heating bill savings while also reaping improved sleep.
A better idea: Turn the heat down, not off
Here's the secret: Set the temperature of your home at least eight degrees lower for the eight hours or so that you sleep at night. Every degree you lower the thermostat can net you an estimated 1% off your heating bill.