Is it true?

Question

Is it true that no matter what you have your heater set on it wont increase your bill. Meaning if I have my heater set on 70 once the house heats to 70 the heater will not kick on more to maintain the temputure of 70 as apposed to if its on say 74?

Or will it actually increase my bill if I set the heat at 74 will it have to kick on more to maintain the temp of 74 as apposed to 70?

Hope this didnt confuse you. I have mine set on 70 and live in a large home my kids say its a little chilly. So my husband told me to turn the heat up to 72-74 but with our monthly bill already running 100 dollars I dont want it to increase drasticly will setting the temp higher make a huge differance in our heating bill?

well actually the bill is 188 and I sure dont want to be shelling out 200+ bucks a month on a heating bill if I increase it because he claims it wont increase the bill but actually will

we use a humidifier because we live in ND where the air this time of yr is excessively dry. And trust me we do not open doors more then we need to because right now we can barely get into double digit temps outside.

The humidifier was recommended by my daughters dr to ease in her ability to breath during the winter so we have to use it {she is stage 4 chronic lung disease}. It does not run all the time its a top of the line unit that actually monitors the amout of humidity in the air and turns on and off by itself. The heater itself is cleaned and inspected by the gas company every year in September

Yes they have budget billing but it'd rather not do that since in summer the bill is only 15 dollars but winter is high and I'd rather have the extra cash if you know what I mean

Answer 1

Common sense says that the higher (lower in summer) you have your thermostat set, the more gas/electricity you use. All major fuel suppliers agree that setting your thermostat at 68F in winter and 74F (air conditioning) in the summer will reduce your bill dramatically.

In theory, once the house is at a temp., it shouldn't take any more to keep it there if conditions everywhere (outside, inside ,etc.) DO NOT change. As you living in ND, conditions change sometime from hour to hour.

My advice to you: make sure all gaps around windows/doors are sealed to prevent air infiltration; open curtains during the day, close them at night; get a programmable thermostat and set at 65F at night and 68F before you wake, reset for lower when you are gone for the day; make sure the attic/foundation is insulated well, add more if you need to.

Use caution when running the humidifier. As the temp. drops outdoors, the more condensation will form indoors creating more of a chance for mold growth. I always recommend to my clients that they abandon the humidifier. Excess indoor humidity only creates more issues down the road. Feel free to e-mail me for more info. Good luck.

Answer 2

Good question! I hope you don't expect the perfect answer. In theory, once you reach the desired temperature, it shouldn't take any more energy to maintain it. The thermostat works off of temperature difference of about 5 to 8 degrees. The problem is how quickly your house loses that desired temp, and the increase in cost is how many times does the unit cycle to maintain. I would inspect the house for air coming in, because heat is going out there. Close off all the rooms you don't use during the day

Answer 3

Call your utility company and ask for a survey of the house, they should provide it for free. There are many things you can do on your own, caulking windows, and any opening in the house where pipes come into the cabinets or walls.. Generally, each 2 degrees of temperature will raise your bill 20 percent. The efficiency and cleanliness of your heater is very important, change the filter regularly if you have forced air, vacuum inside the heater, the utility will give you a list.

Answer 4

It may increase a bit because it is harder to maintain a higher temprature. That is why they recommend 68 degrees in winter and 74 in summer.Either way I would try to maintain a canstant temprature. Peolpe don't think about what is involved in heating and cooling. Remember that when yo heat or cool the house, you are also heating (or cooling) your walls, your furniture, the carpet/floors, ceiling, and each body that is in the house. Your unit will run alot longer to satisfy it's self, thus using more electricity.

Answer 5

True that. Not just love stories. It's foolishness to compare any part of life with movies.

Answer 6

at my house we turn the heat down low at night when were sleeping. then turn it up during the daytime. I would also suggest wearing More clothes and keeping it turned lower overall.

Answer 7

wear more clothes... a house too hot makes everyones skin dry and itchy..... and it will increase your bill. dont open and close the door too much.

Answer 8

does your utility company have budget billing? mine does, and its the same price every month....