Ultimately then, the key to cost effective home heating isn't to leave the system on all day every day. It will save you money in the long run to properly insulate your home, ensuring you won't need to use as much energy to keep your home at a comfortable temperature.
Lewis says the best way to save money is to only use heating when it is necessary. He said: "Having the heating on only when you need it is, in the long run, the best way to save energy, and therefore money. "A timer's best as your thermostat turns your heating on and off to keep your home at the temperature you set.
According to experts, leaving your heating on low all day isn't as cost-effective as you may believe. “The cost of leaving your heating on all day will soon add up,” says Ben Gallizzi, energy expert at Uswitch.
Turning back the thermostat during the day by 10° or more can result in energy savings of 10% or more, depending on your environment. It's the greatest in milder climates where less energy is required to reach the comfortable temperature once the heat is turned on again.
The Energy Saving Trust says if you're keeping the heating on all day you're losing energy all day, so it's better to heat your home only when you need it. You can also apply for a Cold Weather Payment to help when temperatures fall to freezing, a Warm Home Discount or a Winter Fuel Payment to minimise your bills.
Namely, it can be difficult for the heating system to keep up with constant temperature changes, and the varying energy use puts more strain on your system than it should. This increases your electric bill, and can even confuse your smart thermostat.
You can easily save energy in the winter by setting the thermostat to around 68°F to 70°F while you're awake and setting it lower while you're asleep or away from home.
The lower the temperature is inside of the home, the slower the rate of thermal energy loss. To achieve optimal comfort, it is recommended for homeowners to set their thermostats between 68 to 72 degrees while there are people inside of the home.
What Temperature is Too Cold for a House? While everyone has a different tolerance to cold, ideal winter heat settings should generally be at or above 63 °F (17 °C). Excessive cold (anything below 62 °F or 16 °C) in your home can actually raise your blood pressure as your blood “thickens” in the chilly temperatures.
As a general guideline for UK homes during the winter, it is recommended to have the heating on low for an average of 7-8 hours per day. It is not necessary to keep the heating on all the time, especially at night when you can turn it down to save on expenses.
As gas is generally cheaper than electricity – and modern gas boilers are more energy-efficient than their older counterparts – gas central heating systems are often the most cost-effective solution for heating your home.
Natural gas is likely to prove the cheapest way to heat a home if you have this heating option available to you where you live. Although prices have risen, natural gas is the least costly form of space heating. This is followed by electricity, propane, and heating oil, from the next cheapest to the most expensive.
No. It is a myth that leaving your heating switched on all the time will help you save money on your energy bills, but this is not the case as your boiler will be continually heating when there is no real need.
The main benefit of setting the thermostat to 'Auto' is that it will result in more energy efficient usage. This is because the fan will run only when it's required. Also, the air filter will need to be changed or cleaned less frequently when the thermostat setting is set to 'Auto'.
Adjust Your Boiler Settings
The lower the settings, the less energy will be used, and the lower your heating bills will be. Most boilers will heat both the central heating system and the running hot water in your taps, so making sure they are high enough to do this effectively, but not higher than you need is best.
Your house could be cold due to an old air filter, a faulty furnace, improper insulation, or leaky ductwork. The simple fixes, like replacing an air filter, are relatively easy to complete. However, if the heater itself needs repairs, it's best to call in a professional to take a look and determine the problem.
According to the Department of Energy, 68 degrees Fahrenheit is the sweet spot when you're home during the winter. You can also drop it down a few degrees when you're sleeping to save more energy, as you'll be under the blankets for extra warmth.
The World Health Organization recommends keeping indoor temperatures between 64 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit for healthy people. The minimum temperature should be kept above 68 degrees Fahrenheit to protect the very young, the elderly, or people with health problems. Watch out for signs of hypothermia.
They're clear that having the heating on only when you need it is, in the long run, the best way to save energy, and therefore money. (A timer's best, as your thermostat turns your heating on and off to keep your home at the temperature you set.) It's all about the total amount of energy required to heat your home.
Cracks in Walls, Windows and Doors
Around 38% of heat loss in your home comes from cracks in your walls, windows and doors (often invisible to the naked eye). In fact, a ⅛ inch gap under a 36-inch wide door will let as much cold air into your home as a 2.4 inch hole through your wall.
Your furnace will run less often, and therefore cost you less money, when you set your thermostat at a lower temperature. Why? Because your home's rate of heat loss decreases at lower temperatures. (Here's a simple explanation of the rate of heat transfer.)
The temperature inside your home should not reach below 68 degrees Fahrenheit in any case, as that increases the risk of respiratory disease and even hypothermia if there is prolonged exposure. This is especially the case for people with lung and heart disease.
Set your thermostat to 50° when you're away from home
If you're going on vacation, we suggest leaving the thermostat set to 50° F. Why? Well, leaving your empty home at 50° F offers both: Low heating bills.
The best room temperature for sleep is approximately 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18.3 degrees Celsius). This may vary by a few degrees from person to person, but most doctors recommend keeping the thermostat set between 60 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit (15.6 to 20 degrees Celsius) for the most comfortable sleep.