Is It Cheaper to Run Your Heating on Low All Day?

Your heating system plays a huge role in keeping your house warm during the cold months. However, when not used properly, you’ll end up spending too much on your energy bills.

Some homeowners prefer leaving the heating on low all day, while others choose to turn it on and off as needed. But which is the more cost-effective approach?

Keep reading as trusted HVAC service provider AC & Refrigeration Works shares tips in this post. 

What the Experts Say

According to the Energy Savings Trust, the idea that you can save money by keeping your central heating on low is a myth. Doing this won’t save you money, especially if your home has poor insulation. If your house is drafty, heated air will leak out through windows and doors. Leaving your heating system on low all day will only force your unit to work harder to maintain the set temperature. This can result in higher energy bills and sometimes system overheating. Furthermore, if you’re using an inefficient heating system, keeping it on all the time will only add to the problem. 

However, some experts recommend running your heater on low all day. They say that turning your boiler on and off will force it to use more energy to heat your home to the desired temperature. Regardless of which approach you choose, the efficiency of your heating system depends on its condition, your indoor air quality, and other factors that affect your home’s energy efficiency.

Choosing the Best Method for Your Home

You can conduct an energy comparison to help you see which method will help reduce your energy cost. Certain websites provide simple at-home tests that you can try. 

For example, if your home is well-insulated, you can take meter readings at the beginning of the week before leaving your heating on continuously. By the end of the week, take meter readings again. Then, repeat the experiment using a thermostat and timer to control when your heating turns on and off. At the end of the same week, you’ll be able to compare the results and see which method is cheaper.

Whether it’s heating, ventilation, or air conditioning repair, AC & Refrigeration Works has you covered. For consultations or quotes, call us at (956) 255-7227 or fill out our contact form.