Does Setting Back the Thermostat in the Winter Really Save Energy?

Question

With winter coming up soon, here in the midwest, I am going to ask the question: Does Setting Back the Thermostat in the Winter Really Save Energy?

According to the DOE and EnergyStar, it does. But I, and others, disagree to a point. That point being, "doesn't it take MORE energy to REWARM the house back to the COMFORT TEMP when you're home?" So in other words, does it take more energy to bring the temperature from 62 to 68, for example, rather than maintaining the temperature at 68 the entire time when the house is vacant?

I need solid proof energy is saved with the EnergyStar compliant thermostats, not just what the websites say. If anyone has any experience or tests, I would like to hear what they have to say. Thanks!

Good answers so far. But my question, originally, is in reference to the SET-BACK type thermostats that automatically reduce the temperature when away, and bring it back up when you come home. In the summer, yes, it is best to SET AND LEAVE the temperature at one setting, but should I (or we) do the same for the winter? Does the SET BACK method REALLY work?

Answer 1

Yes it does save energy if you keep the setting at a continuous 62. But if you come inside on a cold day and decide that you're cold with the setting at 62 and decide to up it to 68, then it will take a considerable amount of time for the ambient temperature to level off to 68; and in this latter scenario, no, you're probably not saving energy. You might even be expending more.

The trick is to set the thermostat to a constant temperature you can feel comfortable with, even if that means putting on a sweater, and leaving it there.

When winter hits this year, I may have to opt for a setting of something like 62 and just make the best of it, because our electric is going to be increasing by 55%.

Sorry, I don't have any sources or studies at my fingertips.

Answer 2

In my experience you save. When I leave for the day I turned it down to 62. Then up to 68 when I get home. It only takes about 20 minutes to heat back up to the 68. I researched myself buy reading my own meter daily. When the weekend is here and I leave it at 68 all day I use an extra 3 cu feet gas. For every degree you turn it down you'll save 3%.

Answer 3

Yes it is true. They say leave your thermostat on one setting in the winter and summer . It depends what temperature your body is. But it does save energy to keep it on 1 setting. 78 in the summer.