Many homeowners seek the most economical way to keep their homes warm during the colder months. On the one hand, there are those who believe that leaving the heater running on a low setting all day can result in savings. On the other hand, the same can be achieved when it is turned off when not in use, particularly when no one’s around. Local HVAC contractor Efficient Systems, Inc. takes a look at this common dilemma to determine which option is less costly over the other.
Understanding Heating Efficiency and Costs
The logic behind leaving the heating on “low” is grounded in the idea of maintaining a consistent temperature, where the system doesn’t need to expend extra energy to warm up a cold space. Turning down your thermostat to between 68 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit while awake and even lower during sleep or absence can save you up to 10% on annual heating costs. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean it’s efficient to keep the heating on all day.
The Myth of “Low Heat” Savings
What many people may not realize is that keeping the heat on continuously, even at low settings, invariably consumes energy throughout the day. Take note that a house invariably loses some heat through windows, walls, and doors, no matter how low the temperature is set. This means ongoing energy use and, consequently, higher bills. If your home isn’t particularly energy-efficient, it would make more sense to reheat your home when you get home than it is to keep it on the low setting all day when everyone’s not at home.
Insulation: Your Hidden Ally in Heating
Residential heating and cooling services professionals stress the importance of having proper insulation to minimize heat loss. Before deciding on your heating strategy, it’s imperative to evaluate your home’s insulation level to determine if it needs some improvement. Apart from addressing the problem of thermal leakage, adding more insulation can bring about savings in the form of subsidies or tax credits.
Utilizing Smart Thermostats
Smart thermostats revolutionize how we approach heating. They allow you to set specific temperatures for different times of the day and make adjustments remotely if necessary. Heating a fully occupied house or a bustling business space is not the same as maintaining an empty property. For those working from home or areas with consistent occupancy, smart heating provides a balance of comfort and economy.
Striking the balance between comfort and energy cost isn’t as simple as leaving the heat on “low” all day. Factors like insulation quality, smart thermostat use, and energy-efficient upgrades play significant roles. As a leading HVAC services provider in Indianapolis, IN, Efficient Systems, Inc., our focus is tailored toward providing homeowners optimized solutions for their heating needs, ensuring comfort doesn’t come with a hefty price tag. Get in touch with us today by calling (317) 293-6510 or filling out our contact form.
