Saving on home heating costs is a concern for many, especially during the wintertime when cold weather happens for days on end. And there's often a debate between homeowners about whether or not turning down the heat at night or when their house remains empty can save you money on your energy bills or not.
Therefore, if you want to learn more about this age-old debate and other ways to save on your heating costs, join the team from Francis Home Environment as we unravel all there is to know.
Is it better to leave the heating on low at night?
Whether it's preferable to turn off the heater entirely at night or leave it on low has long been a topic of controversy among households. However, it varies depending on a number of factors, such as cost considerations, energy efficiency, and individual comfort levels.
The best option is determined by your home's efficiency and insulation. Homes that have better insulation may hold heat longer, making it more practical to switch off the heat at night without compromising comfort.
In contrast, it might be more sensible to keep the temperature low and steady in a less well-insulated space. Additionally, individual preference is important. While some argue that sleeping in a cooler room encourages better sleep habits, others find that a warmer setting is more comfortable for them during the night.
How many degrees should you turn down your thermostat at night?
Your home's energy efficiency, local climate, and personal tastes can all influence the suggested temperature setting for your thermostat at night. Energy experts do, however, often advise lowering the thermostat by 2.8 to 5.6 degrees Celsius from its usual daytime setting.
For example, if you usually keep your house at 22 degrees Celsius during the day, you could balance energy savings and comfort by putting the thermostat between 16.4 and 19.2 degrees at night.
In the end, it takes some trial and error to figure out what your ideal thermostat setting is for the evening. With the aim of maximizing comfort and energy efficiency during the night, experiment with various temperatures to find what suits your home the best.
How do you turn your heat down?
Turning down the heat in your home a few degrees typically involves adjusting the thermostat to a lower temperature. Here's a step-by-step on how to do it:
1. Locate your programmable thermostat
Find the thermostat in your home. It is usually located on a wall, commonly in the living room or hallway.
2. Familiarize yourself with your thermostat
Learn how to use the controls on the thermostat. The majority of modern thermostats incorporate touchscreens, buttons, and digital displays that can help you monitor and change the indoor temperature in your home with ease.
3. Turn the temperature down
Locate the temperature control buttons to adjust the temperature. You can usually change the desired temperature using buttons or a touchscreen. To lower the indoor temperature setting, press the down button, which is typically an arrow.
4. Check the settings on your thermostat
Certain thermostats may be programmed to operate at various times of the day. If your thermostat has this feature, you can set it to automatically drop the temperature at particular times, like before bed.
5. Keep an eye on the temperature
Make sure the thermostat display is showing the desired temperature by keeping an eye on it. The room temperature inside at the time you program your thermostat is also shown on some models.
Remember that lowering the temperature can help you save money on heating, mainly when you're sleeping or away from home and need less heat. One easy technique to effectively control the temperature in your home is to adjust the thermostat according to your daily schedule and preferences by using a smart thermostat.
What are some other ways to save energy?
Saving energy not only helps the environment but also contributes to lower utility bills. Here are some of the best ways to save energy in your home while maintaining a comfortable temperature for you and your loved ones during the winter months:
Maintain your HVAC equipment
Regularly clean and replace air filters in your HVAC unit and schedule a professional maintenance appointment at least once a year to ensure optimal efficiency of your heating and cooling systems.
Install energy-efficient appliances
Selecting new appliances with the ENERGY STAR designation indicates that they comply with stringent energy efficiency standards that can help you save money. If your budget allows, you might also want to consider installing a an energy efficient heat pump.
Programmable thermostats
Installing programmable thermostats and configure them to change the temperature automatically when you're not home or asleep. This enables scheduling-based heating and cooling optimization in your home which will help you save more energy over time and lower your cooling and heating energy bill for your household.
Insulate and seal leaks
Seal any gaps or leaks and keep an eye out for drafts around doors and windows. An even interior temperature can be achieved with the help of adequate insulation in the walls, floors, and attics to prevent heat loss.
In turn turn, you can save energy by reducing the load your HVAC unit has work in order to keep a constant temperature in your home.
Over time, you can reduce your impact on the environment and save energy, while lowering your utility expenses by implementing these energy-saving measures. Investing in energy-efficient devices and implementing tiny daily habit adjustments together can have a significant impact that benefits you and your family.
Looking for Ways to Make Your Heating System More Affordable? Contact Francis Home Environment Today!
Interested in learning more about how you can lower your energy use and save on your heating bill? If so, the team at Francis Home Environment is here to help. Whether keeping your current HVAC system in tip-top shape or installing a brand-new unit and programmable thermostat, Francis Home Environment is your go-to for high-quality, customized HVAC results.
Our team of certified HVAC technicians is available for repair and maintenance services 24/7/365 days a year, including after-hours, weekends, and holidays, at no extra cost. Further, if you're in the market for a new HVAC system, know that we offer several discounts and financing options that can help you save big on your new equipment.
When meeting with one of our home comfort advisors, you'll also get a complimentary new system purchase quote!
Francis Home Environment proudly operates throughout Ottawa, Arnprior, Greely, Kemptville, Orleans, Russel, Vanier, Almonte, Carleton Place, Kanata, Nepean, Rockland, and Stittsville!
Reach out to us over the phone or book your appointment with a certified HVAC technician by using our online form. We look forward to partnering with you.
