(NEXSTAR) – As the temperature drops, your energy bill goes up. But how you set your thermostat can reduce the cost of heating your home.
There are two main strategies for heaters. Set it and forget it, or turn it on and off. Some people may prefer the first method, but the second method can be cheaper.
If people are home all day or come in and out frequently, it may make more sense to leave the heating on rather than turning it on and off repeatedly.
But if no one is home for long periods of time, such as during a typical eight-hour workday, experts advise that you should turn off the heat or set the temperature lower to save money.
The Department of Energy (DOE) says the idea that it costs more to heat your home after temperatures drop is not true.
“A common misconception about thermostats is that after the thermostat drops, the furnace will work harder than normal to bring the space back to a comfortable temperature.” DOE explains.
In most cases, maintaining a comfortable temperature throughout the day in winter costs more than raising the temperature a few degrees when you get home. You don't have to shut it down completely, but you can set it to a lower temperature, like 58 degrees or 60 degrees.
The Department of Energy estimates that households could save 10% on heating costs if they lowered their thermostats to 7 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit for eight hours a day when they were away. The savings are greater in mild climates than in harsh winter conditions.
The DOE recommends keeping your body temperature between 68 and 70 degrees when you're awake at home and lowering your body temperature when you go to bed.
Patrick Walsh, an HVAC expert at personal finance site, says you can save even more money by cooling the temperature by even 2 degrees and wearing extra layers. money nerd.
“When the sun comes up, open your shades or blinds to let as much sunlight into your home as possible,” advises Walsh. “It's a free heat.”
