Thermostats
Obviously, the lower the temperature is set for heating and the higher for cooling, the more energy is saved and energy costs reduced. Controlling the thermostat is one of the easiest and most economical ways to control your energy costs.
Recommended Settings for Heating
These are the suggested thermostat settings that provide comfort and avoid overheating. Thermostats in rarely-used rooms can be set lower than those in major living areas.
| Sitting reading or watching TV | 21° C (70° F) |
| Working around the house | 20° C (68° F) |
| Sleeping | 16° C (61° F) |
| No one is home | 16° C (61° F)* |
* This setting ensures that the plumbing won't freeze and provides you with considerable savings.
Setting the thermostat back from 21° C to 16° C at night can result in energy savings of up to ten per cent, depending on where you live.
Remember, cranking your thermostat up to 30° C, for example, will not heat your house any faster. Your heating system will work most efficiently if you set the temperature where you want it for long periods of time (8 hours).
Thermostat Maintenance
Thermostats should be checked, cleaned (i.e. blow out any dust) and calibrated periodically. A good rule of thumb is to have your service contractor check the thermostat when performing annual maintenance on the system.
Programmable Thermostat
To make control of the thermostat easier, a setback or programmable thermostat is recommended. The programmable thermostat allows you to program the temperature of the house for different times or days and then leave the thermostat alone for the rest of the heating season. These thermostats allow you to set the temperature down during the day or overnight, but increase the temperature prior to your arrival or when you awake. This allows you to enjoy the comfort of your home and the increased energy savings.
Programmable thermostats now come in many varieties. They can allow for either one or two adjustments a day or multiple changes
over a week. To decide the best thermostat for your needs, determine what temperature setbacks you want for your home and
look for the simplest thermostat that will meet your individual needs.
If you have a cooling system, choose a programmable thermostat that will control both heating and cooling.
If you have a heat pump system, you should review the manufacturer's specifications before considering a programmable thermostat. An improperly used or mismatched setback thermostat can actually increase heat pump operating costs. Most manufacturers now offer programmable thermostats specifically designed for heat pumps.
Live In an Apartment?
- Apartments are more sheltered due to common walls, so if you live in an apartment you could set the thermostat as low as 10° C (50° F) if you go away, as long as there are no water pipes in exterior walls that could be subject to freezing.
- Gas firelog or decorative fireplaces are not as efficient as your main heating system. If you don't use yours often, consider shutting off the pilot light, as it is costing you money to leave it on.
