Running the heater in the winter is vital to keep your home comfortable. However, cranking up the thermostat can put significant strain on your energy bill. The colder it gets, the higher those energy costs will likely be. Though routine tuneups with your heating contractor will promote efficiency, there’s always more you can do to reduce those winter energy bills. Many homeowners mistakenly believe that by turning their heat off while they’re at work is the best way to save money. In reality, nothing could be further from the truth. 

Turning Your Heat Off Completely Increases Your Energy Usage

Believe it or not, turning the heat off or lowering the thermostat by more than 15-degrees Fahrenheit while you’re at work does not save you money. In fact, in most instances, doing so will end up costing you more over the course of the winter while also making the house less comfortable immediately following the workday.

This is because when the thermostat is set incredibly low or off, the ambient temperature in the house drops. When you come home from work and are ready to crank the heat, the heating system has to work harder to reach your ideal temperature. Over the winter months, this can increase the risk of repairs, wear and tear, and add routine visits from your heating contractor to your monthly maintenance bills. No homeowner wants to deal with is having to wait on a heating contractor to come repair their unit during the middle of a cold spell.

What to Do Instead

Instead of turning your HVAC system off while you’re at work, lower the thermostat anywhere from three to five degrees from your preferred temperature. This will make the ambient temperature in your home drop slightly, but not dramatically. When you get home from work, turn the thermostat back up to your preferred temperature. The system will turn on and be able to heat the house more quickly, using less energy and putting less wear and tear on your system.

Though lowering your thermostat will save you money, it’s still important to work with an experienced heating contractor to have your system tuned up each year. The team at Arc Electric & Air Conditioning & Heating in Wilder, KY, will help you keep your system running properly year-round. With more than 50 years of experience, there’s no problem they haven’t seen. Whether you’re worried about the system’s efficiency or are in need of air conditioning repair, they’re ready to help. Learn more about their services online and call (859) 441-7161 to schedule a free estimate.