New River Light and Power

Home heating habits that could be costing you money

 Nov. 22. 2024

 

Heating your space is crucial in the winter, but it consumes the largest amount of energy in homes nationwide. Even though most of us are aware that heating and cooling is our biggest source of energy costs, we still have some bad habits when it comes to heating and energy use. According to a recent U.S. Department of Energy survey:

• 40% of U.S. households set the thermostat at one temperature and leave it there

• Only 26% of households adjust temperatures at night or when no one is at home

• 38% of households use a secondary heat source, such as an electric space heater

• More than 41 million U.S. households still use non-programmable thermostats

• Only 4% of households use a smart or Internet-connected thermostat

Additionally, results show that 70°F is the average daytime temperature setting for households when someone is at home and 40% of households set the thermostat at 70°F or higher at night when everyone's sleeping.

Stay comfy and save energy

If you find you have a few bad heating habits, here are some simple steps you can take to reduce electric costs and stay cozy all winter long:

• Install a programmable thermostat.

• Adjust the thermostat before you go to bed and when no one is home. Lowering the temperature just a few degrees on a daily basis can add up to big savings on your monthly energy bills.

• Lower the temperature when you are at home and add a few layers. If you set the thermostat at 68°F instead of 70°F and wear a sweatshirt, you'll see savings on your monthly bill.

• If you have to raise the temperature, do so in small increments of 1 to 2 degrees. Raising the temperature quickly will activate auxiliary or emergency heat strips which use a lot of energy.

• Look for and seal gaps around windows and exterior doors with caulk, weatherstripping or even a rolled-up towel or blanket.

• Use sunlight to help heat your home naturally during the day but close blinds and curtains at night to help keep the cold out.

• Change your heating system’s filter regularly according to manufacturer's instruction. Dirty filters cause your system to work harder, use more energy and reduce the life of your system. Make sure your heating system is cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.

Don’t forget, NRLP has many resources available to help you save energy and money. Visit nrlp.appstate.edu/resources to learn more. Have a safe, happy and warm winter season!

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