As energy prices rise, many find it difficult to afford to heat your home. This peak in prices leads many to look for alternative ways to save on their energy bills during the winter. However, the solution may be easier than you think. If you’ve ever wondered if you should leave your heating on low all day or turn it off when you’re gone, keep reading.
The idea that your heater has to work harder to warm a cold house than it does to keep it warm is a common misconception. Your home will heat up at the same rate no matter how cold it is inside. Considering typical household expenses $4,400 (opens in new tab) year on utility bills, it makes no sense to waste energy if you are not at home. If you plan to be away from home for an extended period, turn off the heater so you don’t pay for heating all day.
If turning off the heat all day isn’t an option, then the next best thing is to keep the thermostat on low to keep your bills down. When you are at home, it is recommended that you lower the thermostat to 68°F for 8 hours a day. You’ll be able to increase your savings by making sure your home is properly insulated so it loses less heat.
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Buying a smart thermostat is also a great solution for maintaining the right temperature in your home. With a smart thermostat, you’ll be able to control the temperature of your home from your phone, allowing you to schedule different temperatures for different times of the day or turn the heating off/on whenever you want.
Other ways to save on energy costs
- Make sure your home is well insulated so it loses less heat. If you don’t already have it, insulation is a good investment because it lowers your future bills.
- Switch to LED bulbs – they work 75% less energy (opens in new tab) than incandescent/halogen bulbs
- Consider whether solar panels could be an option for your property
- Place the thermostat where it will give you the most accurate temperature – avoid drafts through windows or direct sunlight
- Wash clothes in cold water — this can cut your energy consumption in half when doing laundry
- Bundle up – wear warm clothes and use blankets to avoid overheating
Essence
Overall, turning off the heater during the day when you are not at home is the best way to save on heating costs. If you are at work all day, turn off the heat until you get home. If you work from home and can’t turn off the heat completely, try keeping the thermostat low during the day.
Buying a smart thermostat gives you the ability to control the heat in your home from your phone, helping you save money on your utility bills during cold spells.
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