By Madison Gas and Electric (MGE)
Fiction: It costs as much or more to heat a home back up after a thermostat setback (or to cool the house after a summer setup).
Fact: For a gas-fired furnace or boiler, the longer your house remains at the lower temperature, the more heat you save. If you have a heat pump or radiant floor heating, setbacks are not recommended.
Fiction: The house will warm up faster the higher the thermostat is raised.
Fact: The thermostat isn’t like the gas pedal on a car. It’s either calling for heat or not, so setting the thermostat too high may cause you to overshoot the desired temperature.
Fiction: The kids will kick off the covers and get cold.
Fact: Children older than about two weeks can regulate their body temperature just like adults, so they don’t need different temperature settings. If they kick off the covers, try using a sleeping bag.
Saving energy benefits you: By setting back 1°F for 8 hours, you will save 1% on your heating bill. Bigger setbacks save even more. Saving energy benefits our community: If we all set back our thermostats by 1°F this winter, we could save enough gas to fuel about 4,600 households. MGE recommends 68°F* when you’re home and 60°F* when you’re gone or sleeping.
*Or as low as health and equipment permit. Check the owner’s manual for recommended temperature settings and if turning down the temperature for more than 24 hours.
