My gas company says that to save money and energy, to keep the thermostat at 66 degrees.?

Question

What kind of advice is this? Why don't we just turn it completely off and live like the Eskimos then? I wonder how many of the company excecutives keep their thermostat at 66. Where do you keep your thermostat? My suggestion to the gas company is to stop wasting my money by airing that stupid commercial, and to lower their profit margins. I don't need them to waste my money by stating the obvious, that if you lower your thermostat you will use less gas. Wow, what a stroke of genious.

Answer 1

Unfortunately, this is the one universal answer that applies to every house or building and that is why it is the first thing out of the so called "experts". The other answers which are much more expensive and depend on the quality of construction of an existing building are to seal any cracks (with caulking), make sure doors closes tightly (weatherstripping), adding insulation, upgrading to double or triple pane windows, etc. These are expensive options that most people could not do "today". Furthermore, well built houses with triple pane windows and lots of R24 insulation or higher would not get much benefit.

When I lived in the north, I kept my thermostat at 60. Now I live in the south and keep my thermostat on 66 and wear a flannel shirt, sweater or sweatshirt (depending on the days activities). I do get a smile when I'm outside and my neighbors heat pumps turn on 3 or 4 times before mine turns on 1 time. Yes, everyone likes to whine and moan about price gouging by energy companies and global warming, but it seems as if everyone else wants somebody else to make the sacrifices.

Yes, no heat would save much more energy but cause many other problems. Your house would start to deteriorate due to higher cycles of heat/ cool/heat temperature changes, increased sickness, etc. 66 while slightly uncomfortable can be handled with an extra layer of clothing and avoids many other issues.

Answer 2

WIth the recent cold snap in the Northeast, I was shocked how high my gas bill was. SO, I decided to turn the thermostat to it's lowest setting (about 56 ) and just use an electric heater in a room or two. I was surprised how quickly I got used to this (and wearing some warm clothing). Now, when I get up in the morning and go into the cold house and bathroom I don't feel all that cold. I'm used to it !

Answer 3

I'm guessing you live somewhere cold. I wish I had your problem here in Texas. lol

My thermostat is always around 80. We never really lower it or raise it so it's always pretty much the same temp in the house. Except when it gets really cold (40 degrees) we raise it.

You can keep your thermostat temp at whatever temperature you want. I'm sure the gas companies are trying help.

Answer 4

I keep my thermostat at 66 - 68 and wear long sleeved tops. When I'm reading or watching tv, I cover up with a throw.