Many homeowners wonder if it’s worth it to turn down the heat at night to save on energy costs. There are several factors to consider when deciding whether to turn your thermostat down when you go to bed. In this article, we’ll look at the potential costs and benefits of lowering the temperature overnight.
Potential Benefits of Turning Heat Down at Night
Here are some of the possible advantages of turning your thermostat down while sleeping:
- Lower energy bills – This is the main motivation for most people. Setting your thermostat lower for 6-8 hours at night can lead to tangible energy savings, especially in winter.
- Environmental benefits – Using less energy is good for the environment. Lower thermostat settings reduce your home’s carbon footprint.
- Incentivize better sleep – Some research shows cooler bedroom temperatures can promote deeper, more restful sleep.
- Less wear and tear on system – Your heating system doesn’t have to work as hard if the temperature is lowered overnight.
The amount you can save on your energy bills by lowering the thermostat at night varies greatly depending on several factors. These include how cold your climate is, how well insulated your home is, and the specifics of your heating system.
Many experts estimate you can save 1% on energy costs for each degree (F) you lower the thermostat for an 8 hour period. So turning it down 10°F at night could potentially reduce bills by 10%. However, savings may be higher or lower depending on your home.
Potential Drawbacks of Lowering Temperature Overnight
While lowering the thermostat at night can save money, there are also some downsides to consider:
- Cooler temperatures – The house will be chilly when you wake up and get out of bed. This may be uncomfortable.
- Temperature fluctuations – Frequent changes from warm to cold can put more wear and tear on the heating system.
- Moisture and condensation – Large temperature swings increase humidity which can lead to mold.
- Morning warm up period – It takes more energy initially to reheat a cold house in the morning.
- Health concerns – Cooler air can aggravate some medical conditions like arthritis.
So you’ll need to weigh potential energy savings against comfort issues and other drawbacks. Strategies like only lowering the heat slightly (e.g. 3-5°F) can help maximize savings while minimizing discomfort.
What Temperature Should You Set the Heat at Night?
Recommended nighttime thermostat temperatures typically range from 60-66°F (16-19°C). Here are some guidelines for determining the best temperature to maintain overnight:
- 60-63°F (16-17°C) – Best for maximum energy savings but can be too cold for some people.
- 63-66°F (17-19°C) – Often ideal for balancing sufficient savings with comfort.
- 66-70°F (19-21°C) – Only small energy savings but prevents a cold house in the morning.
In general, you want the temperature low enough to generate savings but not so low that it negatively impacts your sleep or morning routine. Start on the warmer end of the range and adjust down gradually to find your optimal nighttime thermostat setting.
Tips for Maximizing Comfort and Savings
Here are some tips to help make lowering the thermostat at night more comfortable and effective:
- Maintain daytime temperatures – Don’t skimp on heating during awake hours just to overcompensate at night.
- Use thick pajamas and extra blankets – This helps you stay cozy in a cooler house.
- Set a schedule – Programmable thermostats make it easy to have the temperature automatically adjust.
- Only lower 2-3° at first – Gradually decrease the temperature over days or weeks.
- Keep bedroom doors open – This allows warm air to circulate at night.
- Upgrade insulation – Prevent heat loss for greater savings.
Making small adjustments and using blankets and warm sleepwear can go a long way in keeping you comfortable in a cooler home overnight.
How Much Money Can You Save?
The exact amount you’ll save by lowering your thermostat at night depends on many variables. These include:
- Your home’s insulation – Well insulated houses retain heat better.
- Number of hours set lower – More hours equal more savings.
- Number of degrees lowered – Bigger adjustments create bigger savings.
- Your heating system – Forced air, boiler, furnace, heat pump etc.
- Outside temperature – Colder climates have higher heating costs.
- Electricity and fuel rates – Energy prices vary significantly by location.
To get a personalized estimate, you can use an online calculator that incorporates these factors. Expect the average savings for lowering your thermostat 8 hours per night to be anywhere from 1-15% on your annual energy bill.
Here is a table showing estimated savings for various temperature changes and climates:
| Hours Set Lower | Degrees Lowered | Annual Savings (Warm Climate) | Annual Savings (Cold Climate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 hours | 2°F | $20 | $30 |
| 8 hours | 5°F | $40 | $75 |
| 8 hours | 10°F | $80 | $150 |
As you can see, the amount of energy savings can really add up, especially when you lower the temperature significantly and live in a colder climate. Typical savings will be on the more modest end, but the extra money in your pocket makes it worthwhile for most.
Health Concerns With Cooler Temperatures
While turning down the temperature overnight can save energy, it’s important to be aware of potential health concerns. Some groups, such as the elderly and chronically ill, are more susceptible to health risks associated with lower indoor temperatures.
Hypothermia
Prolonged exposure to a significantly cooled house can in rare cases lead to hypothermia. This dangerous condition occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it. Warning signs include:
- Extreme shivering
- Confusion, memory loss, drowsiness
- Slurred speech
- Weak pulse
Hypothermia is very unlikely in a mildly cool indoor environment. But seniors and infants may be at increased risk.
Aggravated Medical Conditions
Some health conditions can worsen with overexposure to cooler temperatures. These include:
- Arthritis – More severe joint pain.
- Asthma – Cold air can trigger asthma attacks.
- Raynaud’s – Excessive reduction in blood flow to extremities.
- Eczema – Skin irritation and redness.
People with these and other cold-sensitive conditions should take extra precautions with lowered nighttime temperatures.
Increased Blood Pressure
Cooler air causes blood vessels to narrow and restrict blood flow. This can lead to temporary increases in blood pressure. Those with hypertension or heart disease may need to be especially mindful of large drops in overnight temperature.
Impaired Immune System
Research shows that prolonged cold exposure can reduce immune system function. This may translate to a higher susceptibility to infections for some people.
Who is Most at Risk From Cooler Temperatures?
Certain populations face increased health risks from significant drops in overnight temperature. These higher risk groups include:
- Elderly people – Impaired ability to regulate body temperature.
- Infants and young children – Can’t generate enough body heat.
- Sick individuals – Compromised immune function.
- People with disabilities – Limited mobility to access warmth.
- Low-income households – May lack sufficient heating.
- Those with cold-aggravated conditions – Arthritis, Raynaud’s etc.
People in these groups should take extra care and consult a doctor before significantly lowering thermostats for extended periods. Infants and the elderly are at highest risk.
Precautions for High Risk Groups
If you or a loved one fall into an at-risk demographic, here are some precautions to take:
- Lower thermostat minimally (1-3°F) for shorter periods.
- Use electric blankets and portable heaters judiciously.
- Have sufficient blankets, warm clothes, socks.
- Check with doctor about safe temperature minimums.
- Monitor for signs of hypothermia.
- Maintain daytime warmth to compensate.
With smart preparation, most people can comfortably withstand minor overnight temperature drops. But some may need to keep the heat slightly higher.
Is Programmable Thermostat Worth It?
A programmable thermostat makes it very easy to lower temperatures at night and raise them in the morning automatically. But is investing in one worth the upfront cost just for the potential savings from setting back the temperature overnight?
Benefits of Programmable Thermostats
Here are the main benefits of installing a programmable or “smart” thermostat:
- Precisely control temperature changes by time of day.
- Maintain consistent day and night schedules without daily adjustment.
- Maximize energy savings by not needing to manually adjust.
- More advanced models utilize WiFi and smart home integration.
- Many models are sleek, modern designs and can be controlled remotely.
Being able to set an entire week’s schedule in advance provides consistent overnight energy savings without daily effort. Advanced thermostats also collect usage data to further optimize heating habits.
Potential Drawbacks
The disadvantages of programmable thermostats include:
- Higher upfront cost – Ranging from $40-$250.
- Complex initial programming – Setting schedules can be tricky.
- Learning curve – Smart models have many features to master.
- Increased reliance on automation – Some prefer manual control.
While smart thermostats ultimately make temperature management easier, they can take some time and expertise to set up properly. And they involve a notable upfront investment.
Are Energy Savings Worth the Cost?
The cost of a programmable thermostat can pay for itself over 1-2 years due to energy savings. Here is a table with estimates:
| Thermostat Cost | Annual Energy Savings | Years to Recoup Cost |
|---|---|---|
| $40 | $50 | 0.8 |
| $125 | $100 | 1.25 |
| $250 | $150 | 1.7 |
Most homes can expect to save $50-$150 per year, allowing the cost of most programmable thermostats to pay for themselves in 1-3 years through energy savings. After that period, the device provides ongoing utility savings.
Conclusion
Lowering your thermostat overnight during colder months can generate significant energy and cost savings. Turning the temperature down between 60-66°F for 6-8 hours while sleeping is an effective way to reduce your home’s heating needs. Most homeowners can save 5-15% on annual energy bills this way.
However, dropping the temperature too drastically can be uncomfortable. It also poses health risks for infants, seniors, and those with conditions like arthritis or Raynaud’s. Careful planning and smart thermostat automation makes it easy to maximize savings while maintaining comfort and safety.
In most cases, the energy savings outweigh the downsides of a mildly cooler home at night. Investing in a programmable thermostat makes the process even more efficient. Over 1-3 years, such devices typically provide full payback in energy bill reductions. So take advantage of the ability to “set it and forget it” with scheduled temperature changes. With smart planning, you can leverage nightly heat adjustments to help conserve energy and put money back in your wallet.