Turn Furnace Off or Down???

**AspiringToBeFrugal** · 04-14-2009, 06:25 PM

What is the most cost-efficient thing to do--we've started having nicer weather, however there are a few cool nights ahead of us before Spring is truly here. Should I turn the thermostat down (closer to 50 degrees) or should I turn it off? What would you recommend?

Thanks!

**Thevail** · 04-14-2009, 06:37 PM

If it's nice during the day, I'd turn it off completely. The little "pilot" light burns about $15 of gas per month. Just leave the winter blankies on the beds and cuddle cuddle cuddle!

**joyofsix** · 04-14-2009, 07:53 PM

What kind of heat? Mine is electric so there's no pilot light. I just keep it set at 55. No reason to be miserable in the morning. It's still below freezing here at night.

**Must-Stash** · 04-14-2009, 07:57 PM

I think the type of furnace and how efficient it is would be key to the answer best for you. Some furnaces would use more energy to get back up to temperature after being shut down than some other furnaces would if the temperature were just lowered.

If you know who installed your furnace call them and ask which is best for you. Even if you don't know, any reputable furnace people you pick out of the phone book would be happy to advise what's best in your situation. They all want to establish good will.

**lisaflex** · 04-14-2009, 08:00 PM

my gas furnace maintenance man says turn down. that way it doesnt have to use double energy to turn back on. its in the 50's during day now and still quite cold at night. when not home, it is on 59, when kids comehome, it is up to 64 then to 61 at night and 65 when we all get up.

**LastDragonfly** · 04-14-2009, 08:06 PM

I think you should turn it down. Then it is still available if needed.

**angelbumpkin** · 04-14-2009, 08:18 PM

I would use only as needed. Dress in layers and cuddle up under the blankets.

**jmd5294** · 04-14-2009, 09:18 PM

I believe some HVAC guys will say that shutting your furnace off in the summer can cause it to leak over time.

**2ndGenGranola** · 04-14-2009, 09:23 PM

Do they still even make gas furnaces with pilot lights? Our has an auto ignition. I've had one of those for 14-15 years. Anyway...I'd turn it down. In case it got cold while you were gone or something your pipes would still be protected.

**Starlight9803** · 04-14-2009, 10:02 PM

my furnace is electric. I keep the thermostat on 60, but cut it off whenever temps are not going to be lower than 45 at night. It depends on how well your house holds the heat from the day (cooking, sun shining in windows, etc) whether you would want to cut it off or not. My house is a bit drafty, but I've found that as long as it doesn't get below 45 outside, my indoor temp doesn't drop below 58 or so, and we can manage at that temp - at least until the sun heats it back up again

**Firefly7071** · 04-15-2009, 07:43 AM

We keep our furnace in the winter at 62 degrees and then use electric blankets on the beds. Is using the blankets and turning down the heat saving or wasting money? I dont know how much energy those things use. thanks guys

**tigo** · 04-15-2009, 08:40 AM

I turn ours off after DH goes to work. I have it turned it down so that when he gets up and turns the thing on it doesn't run as much.

**old_lady_in_the_shoe** · 04-15-2009, 01:53 PM

If it is electric, then It shouldn't matter either way.

If it is gas and has no pilot light, then I would just turn it down as it would not use any gas up.

If it is gas and has a pilot light, then I would probally turn it off, if I was ready to make a commitment to keep it off, if not firmly believing that I would not need it, then just turn it down for now and wait till you are for sure.