Is It Cheaper to Leave the Heat on “Low” All Day?

In winter, one common dilemma that homeowners face is whether to leave the heat on “low” all day or to turn it off every time they leave the house. Stone Heating and Air answers this question in this article, sharing the most cost-effective ways to maintain a comfortable home.

Cheaper to Leave the Heat on "Low" All Day

Go for a Balanced Approach

The debate on whether to keep the heat on low continuously or to employ a start-stop approach has been a longstanding one. According to some experts, repeatedly reheating your home can be more cost-saving than maintaining a constant low temperature. This counters the common belief that it’s cheaper to keep the home heated at a low level all day.

To help with your decision-making, it’s worth looking at the issue from a maintenance perspective. Constant low heating prevents drastic temperature fluctuations that could create condensation. This can potentially affect the efficiency of your home’s thermal resistance, so a balanced approach is needed. Using a smart thermostat can help you achieve this balance.

Consider Your Home Heating Needs

Sometimes this question is best determined by your personal needs. For instance, if you’re working from home, a low, steady heat might make more sense. But if you regularly go out for work, a timer could be more cost-effective.

Check Your Home Insulation

Insulation is critical in determining the cost-effectiveness of your heating strategy. A well-insulated home retains heat better. Once it’s heated, the energy required to maintain the temperature is less. Before deciding on your heating approach, ensure you have assessed and, if needed, upgraded your home’s insulation.

Make the Most of Your Smart Thermostat

If you want to optimize your heating without manual adjustments, a smart thermostat could be the ideal solution. This technology allows you to control your heating system remotely and tailor the heating schedule to your daily routines. It could potentially save you up to 10% a year on heating by setting back the temperature when not needed.

If you’re still unsure about which strategy is more cost-effective for you, Stone Heating and Air can assess your system and your home heating needs. We provide tailored solutions so you can save on energy costs without sacrificing your comfort. Call us at (541) 855-5521 or fill out our contact form to schedule a service appointment.

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