Leaving The Heat On All Day: Cost Effective Or A Money Waster?

As the temperatures outside dip to downright freezing temperatures, you might be tempted to turn up the thermostat in your home. While the recommended temperature to keep your home in the winter is 68 degrees Fahrenheit, many experts suggest lowering it further by seven to ten degrees when you are asleep or away from home. Some people think that this is far too cold (especially in climates like the Midwest or Northeast) and instead opt to leave the heat on all day to avoid a massive spike in energy use later. The theory is that by leaving the heat at a higher temperature, the furnace doesn't have to work as hard, therefore saving money in the long run. But is there any truth to this, or is this idea just a persistent myth?

While there is a best time of day to turn on the heat to save money, leaving it on all day is a money-waster. Even though many people might believe that it takes more energy to reheat a cold house than to maintain a constant temperature, the reality is that heat loss occurs much faster when the temperature difference between inside and outside is greater. In simple terms: the warmer your house is, the faster it leaks heat to the outside. This can be done by simply opening the door to leave, but drafts can also sneak through gaps in windows, outlets, and doors. This heat loss forces your HVAC system to work overtime, costing you up to 20% more on your monthly utility bills.

So if leaving the heat on all day to make your home feel more like a tropical oasis during the winter isn't cost-effective, what is? The best way to keep your home warm without breaking the bank is to listen to the experts. Set your thermostat to 68 degrees when you are home and actively using it. When you go to bed for the night (or when you leave the house during the day), lower it to around 58 to 62 degrees. This decrease in temperature will slow the rate of heat loss and significantly lower your energy consumption

If these temperatures seem outlandishly cold, don't worry — there are steps you can take to stay cozy without touching the dial. First, it's essential to stock up on warm blankets for cold nights. Since your furnace won't be kicking on at the coldest hours of the early morning, you'll want to make sure your bed is properly insulated to trap your body heat. If added bulk isn't your thing, knowing how to update your bedding for the winter in a minimalist way will keep you just as warm without the heavy layers. Consider adding flannel or fleece sheets and down comforters to maximize heat retention while keeping your bedding lightweight and breathable.

There are other hacks for a warmer house this winter that don't involve constantly adjusting your thermostat. Adding window film, blocking under-door and window drafts, and adding thermal curtains or rugs to your home are all ways to keep the heat you've already paid for from escaping.