The cost of living only continues to rise, leading consumers all over the U.S. to constantly look for ways to cut household costs. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, natural gas consumers typically spend less than $1,000 annually on heating, while those who rely on oil spend more than $1,600 every year. But for natural gas consumers looking for even more ways to spend less, there's still the question: is it more expensive to turn heat on and off or lower the temperature? The answer depends on a series of factors — the kind of system you use, how well insulated your home is, and what kind of thermostat you have all play a role.

Lowering the Temperature

If you're like most Americans, you probably rely on a furnace to distribute heat throughout your home. In this case, setting the thermostat about 10–15 degrees lower for eight hours a day can save families anywhere from 5–15 percent on annual heating costs, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Things to also consider include how old your furnace is and how often you have the air ducts cleaned. Homes with alternative heating systems like heat pumps, steam heat, or radiant floor heating have a few more limitations with this method — but programmable thermostats have made it easier for these systems to benefit from temperature setbacks as well.

Never Changing the Temperature

Some argue that leaving the thermostat at the same temperature is the best method for keeping costs low, reasoning that it takes less energy to maintain temperature than to reheat a cold home. However, if you never adjust your thermostat, you may be losing up to $180 annually according to Energy Star. This is because of heat transfer — a higher concentration of heat will always travel toward a lower concentration, and the greater the temperature difference, the faster heat leaks to colder areas and outside. This is especially costly in homes that are not well-insulated, have high ceilings, or are particularly large.

Changing the Thermostat Too Often

Micromanaging the thermostat by constantly changing the temperature actually wastes energy. Every adjustment causes your furnace to stop and start, which is inefficient. Instead of reaching for the dial every time you feel slightly cold, try keeping the temperature a few degrees lower than comfortable and put on a sweater or thermal socks instead.

Turning the Heat Off Completely

If you leave your home for several hours each day, you may be tempted to turn the heat off completely. The truth is, it takes roughly as much energy to reheat your home as it does to maintain a set temperature. The main drawback is that it may be uncomfortably cold for a while after you return — unless you have a programmable or smart thermostat. Additionally, if temperatures drop very low, especially when you're away for several days, keeping heat on low can prevent your pipes from freezing. A burst pipe would cost you far more than the heating bill you were trying to avoid.

Final Thoughts

The best way to save money is to invest in a smart or programmable thermostat that lets you control the temperature remotely. If that's not in your budget right now, the U.S. Department of Energy recommends leaving your thermostat on but set 10–15 degrees cooler when you'll be gone for several hours. Kratos Gas & Power Ohio is committed to meeting your energy needs this winter at an affordable rate that's right for you. See our rates and contact us today.