Is it Cheaper to Leave Central Heat Running All the Time?

Have you ever wondered if you should be turning your heat down, turning it off, or leaving it alone when you leave the house? This article from SF Gate has your answer.

Does It Cost More To Leave Your Heating On All The Time: A Look at Central Heat Expenses

Every little bit of energy you conserve equals savings on your utility bills. Given that a central heating system is the greatest energy consumer in your home, energy efficiency begins with your furnace. But will turning off your furnace at various times save you money or cost you more? The answer might surprise you.

Many homeowners ask the same question: does it cost more to leave your heating on all the time, or is it better to turn it off when you leave the house? For example, some people set their thermostat to a low temperature all day, believing this will save money by preventing the system from working harder to reheat the home later. However, keeping your heating on low all the time is often considered a myth for saving money.

Introduction to Heating Expenses

Heating expenses make up a large portion of energy costs for most households, especially during the long, cold winters in Upstate New York and Vermont. As temperatures drop, the demand on your heating system increases, which can quickly drive up your energy bills. Managing these heating costs is essential for homeowners who want to save money and keep their homes comfortable throughout the season.

One of the most effective ways to lower your heating bills is by improving your home’s energy efficiency. This starts with choosing the right heating system—such as a high-efficiency heat pump—which can provide both heating and cooling while using less energy than traditional systems. Proper insulation is another key factor, as it helps prevent heat loss and keeps warm air inside where it belongs. Smart thermostats and regular maintenance also play a crucial role in optimizing your system’s performance and reducing unnecessary energy use.

By focusing on energy efficiency, homeowners can significantly reduce their heating costs, lower their utility bills, and enjoy a warm, comfortable home even during the coldest months. Implementing these strategies not only saves money but also helps protect your heating system from excessive wear and tear, ensuring it runs efficiently for years to come.

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The Myth

Conventional wisdom holds that it costs more to heat a home up than to keep it warm, and your furnace works harder to do it, too. Conventional wisdom is wrong. First of all, a furnace doesn’t actually work “harder” — it merely works longer.

The colder the house is, therefore, the longer your furnace will run to reach the temperature you desire. This is often referred to as the ‘desired temperature’ or ‘set temperature’ on your thermostat. Additionally, it doesn’t cost more money to heat your house back up after turning down your temperature, no matter how long the house went without heat or what temperature it reaches. The temperature difference between the inside of your home and the outdoor temperature affects how much energy is used—maintaining a higher temperature difference leads to more heat loss. The energy required to maintain a set temperature in a ‘leaky’ house is typically higher than the ‘reheating’ energy needed when returning home.

The Reality

The fact of the matter is, it takes about as much energy to reheat your house to the previous temperature as the amount of energy conserved while the temperature was dropping. However, leaving your heating on all the time is less efficient because it leads to more heat being lost to the outside, requiring more energy to maintain the temperature. While that sounds like a net-zero savings, there’s a catch: Where the energy savings comes in is during the period between when the heater is turned off and the house has cooled as much as it can, and when you turn the heater on again.

Consequently, the longer your home remains unheated, the more energy you save. This is because the house loses less heat and uses less energy overall. Turning your heating on and off as needed is generally more cost-effective and can significantly reduce your energy bills. The most energy-efficient way to heat your home is to program your heating system to switch on only when required.

The Savings

Most people are aware that keeping your home a little cooler in the winter and warmer in the summer lowers the utility bill. Adjusting your thermostat can help lower heating costs and save money. As a result, many consumers set the thermostat to 68 degrees in the winter, and 78 degrees or higher in the summer. Every degree you lower your thermostat can save up to 3 percent on heating costs, leading to lower energy bills. Although it helps, it’s but a drop in the bucket in comparison to what you save when you turn your furnace back or even off during set time periods.

Simply lowering your heat 10 to 15 degrees for eight hours a day could save you anywhere from 5 to 15 percent of your energy costs each year, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, or about 1 percent for each degree you turn back the thermostat. Keeping your home at a low temperature while you’re out or sleeping, and using a timer to heat it shortly before you return, can maximize savings. Using different temperatures for different times of day or rooms can help save money and improve comfort, especially during colder nights. If you are away for several hours, modern boilers can heat a home quickly when switched on, making it efficient to only heat your home when needed. Of course various factors, such as your insulation level and the temperatures outside, factor into the exact amount of savings. Additionally, natural solar gain from the sun can help warm your home during the day, reducing the need for heating and further lowering your energy costs.

Furnace Setbacks

Turning back your thermostat, or even turning off your furnace, to save energy is referred to as a “setback.” If you have an older thermostat, you have to do this manually. Newer programmable thermostats — sometimes called “setback thermostats” — make it even easier. Setback thermostats are mandatory in California for new construction. To use a setback thermostat, just set the temperature and schedule you desire and leave the rest to the thermostat. The best practice for managing home heating is to set your thermostat to 68°F to 70°F while awake and lower it by 7-10 degrees when away from home. For short absences, it is usually best to keep the heat on but lower the temperature slightly rather than turning it off completely. Experts recommend keeping the temperature at a minimum of 55°F–60°F to prevent pipes from freezing in freezing weather, which helps prevent frozen pipes. Constantly heating an unoccupied home results in higher monthly bills. Try setting the temperature to 55 degrees when you’re away for more than a few hours or when you’re asleep.

A smart thermostat is a great solution for keeping your home at the appropriate temperature. Smart thermostats go beyond basic programming by learning your routines, optimizing heating schedules, and enabling remote control from your phone. They help improve energy efficiency and home comfort by automatically adjusting settings based on your habits, which can lead to significant energy savings compared to traditional thermostats.

Check to ensure the thermostat is compatible with your furnace type before purchasing. Heat pumps, in particular, need a special thermostat or setbacks may actually make the system more inefficient.

Proper insulation is essential for reducing heating costs and improving energy efficiency. Loft insulation can save a significant amount of money over time and is often the first area to insulate. Cavity wall insulation is effective for homes built after the 1930s and can prevent heat loss. Double or triple glazing can significantly reduce heat loss through windows, which account for around 10% of heat loss in most homes. Draught-proofing around windows and doors is a low-cost solution to reduce heat loss and improve energy efficiency. Insulation plays a crucial role in maintaining heating efficiency by reducing heat loss, so check the lower level of insulation in your attic, as older insulation may fall below current standards. Protecting pipes from freezing is also important, especially during freezing weather, and maintaining a minimum temperature can prevent frozen pipes. The outdoor temperature affects how much energy is needed to heat your home, and proper insulation and draught-proofing around doors and windows can help maintain comfort and efficiency.

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The Benefits of Home Insulation

When it comes to keeping your home warm and your energy bills in check, proper home insulation is one of the most cost-effective solutions available. Insulation acts as a barrier, helping to keep warm air inside during cold weather and preventing chilly drafts from sneaking in. This means your heating system doesn’t have to use as much energy to maintain a comfortable temperature, which can lead to significant savings on your utility bills.

A well-insulated home can make a noticeable difference in both comfort and costs, especially during the harsh winters we experience in Upstate New York and Vermont. By minimizing heat loss, insulation helps your home stay warmer for longer, so your furnace or heat pump runs less often and uses less fuel. This not only lowers your heating bills but also reduces the strain on your heating system, potentially extending its lifespan and saving you more money in the long run.

Understanding Heat Pumps and Their Benefits

Heat pumps are quickly becoming a popular choice for home heating and cooling, thanks to their impressive energy efficiency and versatility. Unlike traditional systems that generate heat by burning fuel, heat pumps work by transferring heat from one place to another. This process allows them to deliver more energy in the form of heat than the electricity they consume, making them a cost-effective solution for home heating.

One of the biggest advantages of a heat pump is its ability to provide both heating and cooling, making it a year-round solution for maintaining a comfortable temperature in your home. In well-insulated homes, heat pumps can help reduce energy bills and lower overall energy costs, especially during periods of moderate outdoor temperatures. However, their performance can be influenced by factors such as the temperature difference between indoors and outdoors, as well as the quality of your home’s insulation.

To get the most out of your heat pump, regular maintenance and system checks are essential. This ensures optimal energy efficiency and helps prevent issues like frozen pipes during very cold weather. By investing in a heat pump and keeping it well-maintained, homeowners can enjoy efficient, reliable home heating while keeping energy costs in check.

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Factors Affecting Heating System Performance

The performance of your heating system—and ultimately your energy bills—depends on several important factors. Proper insulation is at the top of the list, as it helps prevent heat loss and keeps your home warm with less energy. Without adequate insulation, your house can lose heat quickly, forcing your heating system to work harder and use more energy to maintain a comfortable temperature.

Air leaks around windows, doors, and even in your attic or basement can also cause your home to lose heat. Sealing these leaks is a simple yet effective way to improve energy efficiency and reduce heating costs. The temperature difference between the inside and outside of your home is another key factor; the greater the difference, the more heat your home will lose, and the more energy your system will need to use.

Other elements, such as the use of ceiling fans to circulate warm air, the condition of door and window seals, and how you set your thermostat, all play a role in your heating system’s efficiency. By addressing these factors, homeowners can optimize their system’s performance, save energy, and enjoy lower energy bills throughout the heating season.

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Saving Energy with Smart Technology

Smart thermostats and setback thermostats are game-changers when it comes to saving energy and reducing heating costs. These devices allow you to set different temperatures for various times of the day, ensuring your home is only heated when necessary. By automatically lowering the temperature when you’re away or asleep and raising it before you return or wake up, smart thermostats help minimize heat loss and maximize comfort.

Many smart thermostats can learn your household’s routines and adjust the heating schedule accordingly, delivering a comfortable temperature while using less energy. Features like remote access and easy scheduling make it simple to control your heating system from anywhere, giving you greater flexibility and control over your energy bills.

By leveraging smart technology, homeowners can significantly reduce their heating expenses, enjoy lower energy bills, and contribute to a more energy-efficient home. Investing in a smart or setback thermostat is a simple step that can lead to substantial savings and improved comfort all winter long.

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Conclusion on Heating Costs and Energy Efficiency

Managing heating costs and achieving true energy efficiency requires a comprehensive approach that goes beyond just adjusting the thermostat. Proper insulation, smart thermostats, and regular maintenance are all essential for keeping your heating system running efficiently and your energy bills under control. Understanding the factors that affect your system’s performance—such as temperature difference, air leaks, and insulation—empowers you to make informed decisions that can significantly reduce your heating bills.

By implementing energy-saving strategies and embracing smart technology, homeowners can enjoy a comfortable, energy-efficient home while saving money on utility bills. Investing in solutions like heat pumps and improving home insulation not only provides immediate savings but also contributes to a more sustainable and cost-effective future. Take control of your heating expenses today and experience the benefits of a warm, efficient, and affordable home.