I was wondering if anyone had a link to a study done on the cost of heating a home versus the temperature set at when no one is home.
Basically I am wondering if it is more efficient to turn the heat way down (about 55 F) when I am not home and set the timer for just before I get home to re-heat the house. On the other hand, is it worth it since the heater has to work so much harder to bring the temp back up to 68, rather than bringing it back up from say 62.
I know everyone seems to have their own opinion on this, but I was hoping for some kind of at least pseudo-scientific study on this. I haven't been able to find one anywhere!
2007-12-07 03:33:30 · 6 answers · asked by The Jesus 5 in Home & Garden ➔ Other - Home & Garden
MYTH: If you turn down your thermostat at night or when you are gone, you will use more energy to warm up the house again than what you saved.
FACT: You always save by turning down your thermostat no matter how long you will be gone.
http://certified-inspector.com/abc006.htm
http://www.stretcher.com/stories/01/010205c.cfm
http://www.caa.ca/eco/english/you/home.html
2007-12-07 04:00:18 · answer #1 · answered by sadie_oyes 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
If you leave it set without adjusting it up or down you can save because turning it down will take longer for the house to heat up and use more energy than leaving the thermostat set at like 70.
2007-12-07 03:42:16 · answer #2 · answered by David T 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Turn down the heat to 55 when you aren't home will save you money -- Just set your thermostat to turn it back up an hour before you will be home. Many utilities actually recommend this.
2007-12-07 03:53:24 · answer #3 · answered by Vic 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I can't cite a study, but I can offer my wallet as proof; turning down the thermostat when you are gone does save money, over leaving it up all the time.
Try it for a month and see what you think - that'll be more convincing for you than any study will be.
2007-12-07 03:38:53 · answer #4 · answered by Sim - plicimus 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
To save you having to turn it down at all, just replace your existing thermostats with one that turns the heat down on its own. I think Home Depot or your local building supply store sells them. They have a heat sensor in them or something.
2007-12-07 10:43:06 · answer #5 · answered by henryswtzr 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
leave it set at 68
takes more energy to reheat than keeping it constant.
2007-12-07 04:04:57 · answer #6 · answered by William B 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋