How low should heat be set when no one home?

[Mark42]

A friend of mine bought a home (small cape style) that has gas fired base board heat. Being on a budget, he wants to set the thermostat low while he is at work. Seeing as he is the only one living there during the week he does not mind the house being on the cool side. On the weekends, his kids live with him and he warms the house up. He also said his house is not very well insulated. Probably built in the '50's and not been upgraded.<br /><br />He was asking how low can he set the thermostat during the week days while he is out before there is no savings in fuel use. I would think that there is a point that more fuel is used to warm the house up from cold than would have been spent to maintain a constant temperature. <br /><br />Any input is appreciated.<br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br />Mark.

 

[NathanY]

Re: How low should heat be set when no one home?

I set mine at 68°F when gone. My house is very well insulated, so heater is not working too hard to heat back up to 72°f.

 

[Barlow]

Re: How low should heat be set when no one home?

Mark this could vary from home to home .. I'd have him try a few settings first and compare the useage in relation to the outside/inside temp.<br /><br /><br />a programable thermostat might be a good investment for him too.<br /><br />just a couple thoughts

 

[KaGee]

Re: How low should heat be set when no one home?

Agrees w/Barlow. Setting your temp too low (or too high in summer) can be self defeating. You are not only heating/cooling the air, but everything inside as well.<br /><br />As for programable thermos... the new Honeywell's are well worth the $$. Love mine!

 

[JB]

Re: How low should heat be set when no one home?

When I was away during workdays I set the TS at 60* during the day and at night when I was in bed. It would quickly return to 68* when I got home or got up. This is a propane fired, forced hot air system. A baseboard system would probably be slower.<br /><br />I was told by my gas supplier that gas usage increases by 5% for every degree above 65* set on the Tstat.

 

[BoatBuoy]

Re: How low should heat be set when no one home?

The lower the better while keeping the pipes from freezing. The higher the temp, air or walls or furniture or anything else, the faster those items will loose BTU's/hour to any cooler surroundings.<br /><br />JB, your scenario assumes you have propane in the tank. Right?

 

[Barlow]

Re: How low should heat be set when no one home?

JB, your scenario assumes you have propane in the tank. Right?

geesh .. havin a hard time shakin' that one aren't ya JB <br /> <br />I've been there too <br /><br />" Throw another log on the fire! "

 

[JB]

Re: How low should heat be set when no one home?

When there is no propane in the tank gas usage (and cost) drops to zero.

 

[mattttt25]

Re: How low should heat be set when no one home?

here's your answer...<br /><br /> http://www.eere.energy.gov/consumerinfo/factsheets/thermo.html

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: How low should heat be set when no one home?

I drop mine to 56 at night and when I am at work. I have a programmable t-stat and it runs a 7 day program. If I am ever home at a set back time I can override the program.<br /><br />It has saved me a ton of money.<br /><br />Bob

 

[KaGee]

Re: How low should heat be set when no one home?

Originally posted by mattttt25:<br /> here's your answer...<br /><br /> http://www.eere.energy.gov/consumerinfo/factsheets/thermo.html

LOL Matt... I know it's a serious read, but one of the headings..."What Is A Theromstat?" just cracked me up!