from Ken in Elk Mound, WI:
#705
There is a lot of debate about turning your heat down when you go to bed or when you leave for work. Is there a right or wrong answer to this question? Does it make any difference how long you turn it down for? How much if any will I save? Is there a way to figure our savings?
A programmable thermostat could save you money.
In heating mode, reducing your thermostat setting by one degree for eight hours will save about one percent on your heating bill. Turn the temperature down more, or leave it down longer and you will save more. Focus on Energy recommends not adjusting the temperature more than 5 degrees for daily and nightly setbacks. Greater variances may not save a substantial amount of energy and may create issues with condensation on windows. Try using a programmable thermostat to make the temperature changes easier.
Published Wednesday, February 17, 2010