Turning down the heat
Setback thermostats can save energy and money
Just as you shut off lights and appliances when you're not using them,
you can save energy by turning down the furnace and air conditioner when
you leave the house or go to sleep.
According to a study by the Canadian Centre for Housing Technology,
turning the furnace's thermostat down a few degrees in winter when you're
not home or go to sleep can result in energy savings of five to fifteen
percent. Also, setting the air conditioner thermostat a couple of degrees
higher in the summer when the house is empty brings significant energy
savings and helps control indoor humidity.
If your schedule is predictable, then a setback thermostat that
automatically bumps the temperature up or down when you want it to may be
right for you.
Is a setback thermostat right for you? Canada Mortgage and Housing
Corporations advises you to consider the following:
Personal schedule: A setback thermostat is ideal for people with
predictable work and sleep patterns. If your schedule changes often, you
probably won't find a setback thermostat as convenient.
Comfort: It can take up to an hour for the home's temperature to change.
You may need to experiment with your setback thermostat to ensure that
your home is at your ideal temperature by the time you wake up and by the
time you return home.
Moisture and ventilation problems: A setback of four to six degrees can
increase the possibility of high humidity, which can lead to condensation
on windows and walls. Also, a setback thermostat causes a sustained lack
of air circulation for forced air systems as the house cools down. For
houses where bedroom doors are kept closed, this could lead to stuffiness
in those rooms and a lack of fresh air.
If your house is in good condition, if you do not have excessive moisture
problems and if you keep a fairly regular schedule, then a setback
thermostat can offer convenience, comfort and may help reduce energy
costs.
To help you learn more about setback thermostats CMHC has a free About
Your House fact sheet available called Setback Thermostats. To order your
copy visit us online at www.cmhc.ca or call our toll free number 1-800-
668-2642.
