According to experts at the Energy Saving Trust, the idea it's cheaper to leave the heating on low all day is a myth. They're clear that having the heating on only when you need it is, in the long run, the best way to save energy, and therefore money.
So, depending on the layout of your house and the type of heating system you have, leaving your heat on all day can significantly increase your energy bills. Turning off your heater, even just for a few hours a day, can help you save between 5%-15% on energy costs over the year.
If you're going to be gone for several hours, instead of turning the system completely off, the U.S. Department of Energy recommends turning your heat down by seven to 10 degrees. They also suggest doing this at night, using blankets to make up the difference in temperature.
If you leave your heating on low all day, it means that the system will have to work to maintain the temperature at a certain level. Your home will be using energy the entire day, making it more expensive. It is more costly than setting the heating to come on at set times.
A gas-fired central-heating system is often the cheaper option in terms of running costs; electrical heating costs considerably more per unit of energy.
Turning back the thermostat during the day by 10° or more can result in energy savings of 10% or more, depending on your environment. It's the greatest in milder climates where less energy is required to reach the comfortable temperature once the heat is turned on again.
The cheapest way to get a quick blast of heat in a room
In that case, an electric heater is a good option to give you heat temporarily. Electric heaters consist of oil heaters and fan heaters. If you are investing in an electric heater, be mindful of how powerful it is and how much it costs to run.
As a general rule, heating your home with a natural gas furnace is the cheapest way to keep warm through the winter months. Electricity is usually significantly more expensive than gas, so even the most efficient heaters will be a bigger drain on your pocketbook than a traditional furnace.
CHOICE experts have found that reverse-cycle air conditioning is by far the cheapest way to keep your home warm. But it does come with a large upfront cost. Here is a rundown of the most common types of heating, from cheapest to most expensive.
Does turning down the thermostat save money? Yes, homeowners can save money on their energy and heating bills by turning the thermostat down. You can save almost 15 percent of your total heating bill by lowering your heat by seven degrees overnight (or for any other eight hour period).
Here's the secret: Set the temperature of your home at least eight degrees lower for the eight hours or so that you sleep at night. Every degree you lower the thermostat can net you an estimated 1% off your heating bill. So, eight degrees for eight hours a day can save you up to $180 every year.
You should set the central heating programme to come on around half an hour before you get up, and go off around half an hour before you go to bed. And if the house is empty during the day, or you can manage without heating during the day, make sure you've set the programmer to go off for this period too.
Get Your Fireplace Going. Firewood or some other solid fuel source is an effective means of keeping your house heated with minimal costs and work on your part. If you're lucky enough to have a fireplace, it will make heating your home that much easier and safer during an emergency like a power outage.
Energy.gov suggests that 68 degrees is a good room temperature while you're awake at home but recommends lowering it while you're asleep or away. Lowering your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day can reduce your annual heating expenses by as much as 10 percent.
Keep the internal temperature of your heating set to between 18°C and 20°C. Every degree you increase your heating can add up to 10% on your energy use. Set your thermostat to warm your house for times you need it. Turn it off overnight and when you're away from home.
Keeping your home at a constant temperature generally means that your HVAC system will run constantly to meet it. This means that your furnace or air conditioner may run when you're asleep, at work, or out of the house. This wastes more energy than the minimal amount that you might save by having it constantly run.
The amount of insulation you have in your home will of course have some bearing on how much leakage there is, but as a general rule The Energy Saving Trust states that keeping heating running continuously will result in a continuous loss of energy, which it does not recommend.
Heat constantly escapes your home when it's cold outdoors, which is why it makes sense to lower the thermostat when you're not there. But turning off the furnace in the winter—especially when you're away for long periods of time—runs the risk of frozen pipes that could easily burst when they thaw.
“I would recommend turning your heating off at night, or when you are not at home, as this will help to save energy and lower your bills,” says Collier. Temperatures are lower first thing in the morning and once the sun goes down; this is when you are most likely to want the heating on.
electric heating cost is much cheaper. A single kilowatt-hour (kWh) unit of gas costs around 4.65p, whereas the average price for a kWh of electricity is more than 20p. This doesn't mean that electric heating running costs are four times those of gas, however!
Ideally you should heat your home to a temperature of at least 18 °C. This is particularly important if you have reduced mobility, are 65 or over, or have a health condition, such as heart or lung disease. Having room temperatures slightly over 18 °C could be good for your health.
Below 13° - If your home is this cold, it may increase your blood pressure and risk of cardiovascular disease. 14-15° - If your home is this cold, you may be diminishing your resistance to respiratory diseases. 18° is the recommended night time bedroom temperature.