Can Switching Off Your Heating System At Night Save Money?

Some people claim that it is cheaper to turn off the heating system every night. The assumption is that the warm bed and a thick duvet or comforter are enough to get you through every winter night. 

If you haven't tried it, this might make sense, and you may be tempted to turn off the heat overnight. But, the question you should ask is this: if you genuinely didn't need the heating system, then what's the point of installing or running it in the first place?

Turning off the heat over the night hours is a costly mistake for your well-being and home in general. This post will consider the critical factors in play, so read on to know more.

Water Pipes

When you turn the heat off for some hours, especially at night, you'll increase water damage risks. When the indoor temperature drops, the water in the pipes will start to freeze and burst. Water expands when it freezes, and if the pipes don't provide adequate space to accommodate the expansion, the pressure will cause the pipes to rupture. As the water escapes, it will flood the house and cause much damage. 

Your Sleep

Physicians recommend that you sleep in a conducive environment. Ideally, the temperatures should be at 60 degrees or higher. When you opt to turn off the heating system overnight, it will be impossible to have a good night's sleep because the temperatures are bound to drop. Within a few hours, you will lose sleep, and the entire night's rest will be interrupted. Also, exposing your body to low temperatures at night may affect everyone's health.

What's the Best Solution?

Instead of turning the heating system off overnight, consider turning the heat down. For instance, you can turn the temperature a few degrees lower for the period you will be asleep, then switch to the usual temperature in the morning. Every degree you lower will reduce the heating bill significantly, and you won't have to worry about your sleep or water damage issues.

It's crucial to note that the reason why this works isn't what you think. The heating unit doesn't have to operate as often when temperatures are low. However, reducing the heating bill is all about managing heat loss. When the house is warm, it will lose heat faster because it is cold outdoors. So, when you reduce the heat at night, the house will lose heat slowly. Then, you will use less energy, minimizing utility expenses. 

For more information about heating services, contact a local professional. 


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