Don’t spend more on heating than you have to this year. Call Leith Heating & Cooling in Palatine to get your system in peak condition for the winter.
With costs for just about everything rising these days, everyone’s tightening their belts and trimming expenses. This includes looking at their home heating and cooling habits to find ways to slash their utility costs without sacrificing comfort.
Since some ideas look better on paper than in practice, many homeowners wonder, “Is it cost-effective to keep heating on low all day to reduce energy consumption and lower bills while still keeping the house warm and cozy?” As the leading heating service technician in Palatine, IL, our team at Leith Heating & Cooling gets this question a lot, and the short answer is “no.”
We know this seems counterintuitive, but let us explain why.
Running the Heater All Day Wastes Energy and Money
At first glance, leaving the heater on low all day looks like a good idea. Running the furnace all day on low maintains a consistent temperature and eliminates the need to crank up the furnace when you get home to make the place warmer. In theory, this uses less energy since the furnace doesn’t have to work as hard to reach the desired temperature.
But in reality, is it cost-effective to keep heating on low in your Palatine home all day? Not really.
Every time the heater comes on, even when it’s on low, it uses energy. That means near-constant fuel consumption, which translates to higher energy bills, especially if your home isn’t very energy-efficient. Heat escapes through windows, walls, and doors even when you run the heater on low, meaning you’re still wasting energy and money by running the heater constantly.
Better Options for Keeping Your Palatine Home Warm
Winters in Palatine, Illinois, can get rather frigid. When the temperatures hover around freezing, and the snow flies, a warm home isn’t just about staying comfortable — it’s a safety concern, too. Although it might be more cost-effective to re-heat your home when you return after being away all day, it doesn’t make sense to turn the heat off all day when it’s cold outside.
Knowing that the answer to “Is it cost-effective to keep heating on low?” is “no,” what’s the solution to maximizing energy efficiency?
For most homeowners, the answer comes in the form of a smart thermostat and better insulation.
Invest in a Smart Thermostat
Chances are, you don’t need to maintain the same temperature inside your home throughout the day or night. In fact, one of the most common tips for reducing heating and cooling utility costs in Palatine is to adjust the thermostat settings based on the time of day and whether you’re home or not. For example, in the summer, simply raising the temperature by seven or eight degrees when you’re not home cuts the electric bill by as much as 10%, according to EnergyStar.
Similarly, during the colder months, it just doesn’t make sense to keep your home toasty warm all day when no one’s there. Other factors, like how many people are at home, whether you’re running other heat-producing appliances (like the oven or clothes dryer), and the weather also influence the indoor temperature and can force you to make changes to the thermostat settings to maximize comfort.
A smart thermostat can help eliminate this guesswork and keep your home as comfortable as possible without constantly running the heat. You can program a smart thermostat to automatically adjust the temperature up or down throughout the day, which is considerably more efficient than leaving it on the same setting all day.
Smart thermostats can also “learn” your preferences and adjust the settings accordingly. Not only will you save money on your energy bills, but also you won’t need to worry about coming home to a chilly house or dealing with the mess of frozen pipes.
Upgrade Insulation
Adequate insulation is critical to energy efficiency. Without enough insulation, or if there are issues with insulation quality, there’s no doubt that heat is escaping your Palatine home, forcing your heating system to work harder. Consider scheduling an inspection to ensure your home has plenty of insulation for maximum heat retention.
Investing in better insulation will make it easier to maintain a consistent temperature without keeping the heat on constantly. In addition to reducing your energy expenses, you might qualify for incentives like tax credits and rebates for energy-efficient upgrades. New insulation products offer better protection from the elements than older ones and can make a significant difference to your home’s comfort.
Reduce Costs and Wear and Tear on Your Palatine Heating System With These Tips
Learning that the answer to “Is it cost-effective to keep heating on low?” is “no” disappoints many customers who think they can save money this way. However, we have several other tips for managing energy costs while still keeping your Palatine home warm:
- Hang insulated window coverings: A significant amount of heat can escape through windows, so cover them with insulated drapes or curtains or use insulated shades for better heat retention.
- Use ceiling fans: It might seem odd to run a fan during the winter, but warm air rises. If you switch the fan direction to clockwise, it will push that heat back down into the room.
- Maintain the furnace: Changing the furnace air filter regularly and scheduling an annual professional maintenance visit ensures the unit works as efficiently as possible and reduces the risk of a breakdown.
Make Your Palatine Heating System as Efficient as Possible
You aren’t alone if you assume the answer to “Is it cost-effective to keep heating on low?” is yes. However, with help from Leith Heating & Cooling, the preferred source for heating and AC repair in Palatine, Illinois, you can implement better ideas to keep your home toasty warm and your costs manageable. Get in touch with us today to schedule service and learn more about energy efficiency upgrades.