Does it really save money on heat?

Question

My husband insists that we set our thermostat at 62 degrees at night and 69 in the day. We have a split level ranch and he has keeps the lower level at 45 degrees. The heat turns on at 6 am and the boiler runs ALL days to get it up to 69 deg by 2pm. I t always feels colder than 69? It's 15 degrees outside, colder at night. He say's he doesn't feel cold, but he's at work all day while I'm at home with our 4 year old. I have trouble believing that we are saving that much money, but my husband insists he's right. How can I find out if we are truely making a difference in our bill?

Answer 1

The only reason to lower a thermostat is if you're not there. Since you're home with your child, the thermostat should not be lowered. Period. Your husband is a douchebag for making his child and his bride suffer through the cold to save a few bucks.

According to the DOE, lowering the thermostat by 1 degree, saves about $22 a year (if heated by natural gas).

http://www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/consumptionbriefs/recs/thermostat_settings/thermostat.html

That being said, since you have a forced water system, the cost savings would be negligable. The water must be kept hot regardless, whether it is circulating or not. When the heat comes "on" it's not really turning on the boiler, it's turning on the pump to circulate the already-hot water. This does cool the water, but remember, the boiler has to keep the water hot anyway, whether it's circulating or not. The difference in your case would probably amount to about $5 a month. A small price to pay for his wife and child to be comfortable.

Answer 2

I don't know about savings if it is "on" all day and your house basement is a crisp 45...
The central air system we have is electric and ours is a 1751 sq ft split level entry home. I set out thermostat at a cool 65 at night and a warmer 68 during the daytime. Obviously summer cost isn't the same, and yes we pay our bill monthly. Ours is a totally electric, no propane or natural gas, with the 1 exception being the enclosed wood stove in our living room. Our bills tend to run about 125.00 on the warmer months, and only get up to about 180 during the winter months. Washington State and at about 500 or so feet above sea level, yes it does make a difference, as we are not "snowed on much.
Hubby may not be cold, but if you are, chances your child will also be cold.
Good Luck!

Answer 3

Setting the thermostat lower does save heat and money. If you put on a sweater you should be comfortable at 69 degrees; however it appears that the house is not well insulated. Some fuel companies will do a free heat analysis of your home and calculate what you would save by making some repairs. Check them out.

Answer 4

i do no longer be conscious of approximately low value expenses no count extensive form if it is "on" all day and your place basement is a crisp 40 5... the right air gadget we've is electric powered and ours is a 1751 squareft cut up factor get top of get admission to to residing abode. I set out thermostat at a funky sixty 5 at night and a warmer sixty 8 for the duration of the daytime. for specific summer season value isn't the comparable, and assured we pay our bill month-to-month. Ours is an fairly electric powered, no propane or organic and organic gasoline, with the a million exception being the enclosed wood variety in our lounge. Our fees tend to run approximately one hundred twenty 5.00 on the warmer months, and in fact upward push as much as approximately a hundred 80 for the duration of the wintry climate months. Washington State and at approximately 500 or so ft above sea factor, confident it does make a huge distinction, as we are actually not to any extent further "snowed on lots. Hubby is purely no longer chilly, yet as quickly as you're, opportunities your new toddler would properly be chilly. good success!

Answer 5

Not if its running all day to get to 69 deg AND whats more important keeping the kids warm and healthy or a few dollars?

Answer 6

what r u using to heat with ? fuel oil is the most efffienct then natural gas then propane and last our friend electric in ga we use natural gas and propane , when the temp reaches 40 F. a heat pump will cut off and strip heat kicks in. and that is high priced! contact your office of cosumers affairs in your state and please keep the 4 yrs old warm !!

Answer 7

It only saves money on heat if your home is well insulated. You could check out your local gas company to see if they have a website you could check, many companies have tips to keeping your house warm.

Answer 8

Look at your bill. That will be your smoking gun.