Comments on: Use a Programmable Thermostat to Save Money

By: Joel

Joel — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 21:21:42 +0000

I am sorry guys, i don’t believe that i should be freezing in my own house. heating is like food. if i had to pay some extra in winter well so be it. i rather spend a few extra pounds to comfortable when i am home.

By: Ryan

Ryan — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 14:52:12 +0000

Traciatim, We usually boost the temp a couple degrees when we have company over, too. We used to adjust the thermostat down to the 50s during the day because my wife and I both worked, but now that my wife is a stay at home mom, we leave the temp around 68 from morning until we go to bed, when it drops to the 50s. We use a space heater to heat our bedroom so it doesn’t get too cold.

By: Traciatim

Traciatim — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 14:48:04 +0000

We’ve switched a little this year to have more of this mentality. Plus, one of us is home almost all the time now. So ours ends up at 66F (19C) almost all the time, and if someone is feeling cold we put it up to 67F (19.5) so some heat moves around. If we plan to have other people over for a while and we figure no one will be wanting to wear slippers or sweaters then we will set it up to 68-70F (20-21C).

By: Ryan

Ryan — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 14:38:24 +0000

We keep our temp at a comfortable level as well, but we have adapted to be comfortable at around 68. Obviously, something like temperature is subjective, and I know people who are comfortable with their home in the low 60s and some people who are uncomfortable if it drops below 75.

By: Charles Tinsley

Charles Tinsley — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 13:36:34 +0000

I keep mine around 70 -72
I ain’t freezing my behind off just to save a few dollars. Life is too short and I (and my wife) work too hard to come home to a house that isn’t comfortable.
Good luck to the rest of you!

By: Washington

Washington — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 02:20:06 +0000

Q. What is the most efficient thermostat setting for heating?

A. The best setting is the lowest temperature at which you are comfortable. Most people can be comfortable at a setting of 68 – 70 o – each degree higher than that can increase your heating costs by 1-2%.

Q. Is it a good idea to close or seal off the heating registers in unused rooms?

A. Closing or sealing a small number of heating registers may cut your heating bills some, but with central forced air systems, closing off more than one-third of your registers can create pressure imbalances and make the blower fan work harder, potentially shortening equipment life.

Q. I’ve heard that setting back my heat can actually cost me more when I turn the thermostat back up – is this true?

A. With most heating systems, you will save by turning the thermostat back for four hours or more. If you have a heat pump, you should either set the thermostat at a comfortable temperature and leave it, or purchase a programmable thermostat specifically designed for a heat pump.

By: Oregon Coast

Oregon Coast — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 16:35:06 +0000

65 when home awake. 50 at night. No warm up in the mornings. 45 when gone. Space heater in the bathroom as needed. But as I primarily use a very efficient woodstove (2 cords a year) the heat is not on much. Highest winter electric bill has been $44. Summer bill (no a/c needed) drops to $28. Sweatshirts and flannel shirts! Yes!

By: Ryan

Ryan — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 13:49:37 +0000

Wow! 55 degrees at all times is a little cool for my tastes. I can bundle up to stay warm, but I do a lot of typing, and I am sure my hands would get stiff and cold.