Should You Leave Your Heat on All Day or Turn It Off? Which is Cheaper?
Which option will help you save on your energy bills?
The U.S. Energy Information Administration projects winter costs to be around the same as last year for most parts of the country. However, energy rates are still high, and if you live in the Midwest, you can expect natural gas heating costs to increase by an average of 11%. These elevated prices are leading many to search for alternative ways to save on energy bills this upcoming winter season.
The solution can be easier than you think. If you’ve ever wondered whether or not you should leave your heat on low all day or turn it off when you’re gone, keep reading.
According to Bankrate, a typical household spent $6,888 annually on utility bills last year, shelling out $1,644 on electricity bills alone. And thanks to rising electricity prices and increased consumption due to the cooler weather, expect to pay more this winter.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
However, there's one easy way to slash your bills: set your thermostat to the best temperature for the appropriate amount of time.
To save money on heating, the Department of Energy recommends turning your thermostat from 68°F to 70°F while you're awake and even lower when you're sleeping or away from home.
They claim you can save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling by turning your thermostat back 7°F to 10°F for 8 hours a day from its normal setting.
You may be wondering, however, if you’d be better off turning your heat off completely. In most cases, you’d be better off turning your heat down low than turning it off entirely.
According to Wired, leaving your heat running constantly at a low temperature is best. However, they warn that keeping specific rooms in your home very cold can “reduce the overall efficiency of your heating since those rooms will soak up warmth and make your boiler or heat pump work harder.”
Plus, if you live somewhere cold, turning the heat off all day probably isn’t suitable as it can cause your pipes to freeze and burst. Or maybe you work from home. Whatever the case, dropping your thermostat instead of turning it off completely can help significantly reduce your heating costs — in some cases by 10%. You'll also maximize your savings by ensuring your home is properly insulated and loses less heat.
Purchasing a smart thermostat is a great solution for keeping your home at the appropriate temperature. With a smart thermostat, you’ll be able to control your home’s temperature conveniently from your phone. This allows you to schedule different temperatures for different times of the day or to shut your heat off/on whenever you want, even if you're not at home.
Other ways to save on energy costs
- Do an energy audit — by making improvements identified in a home energy audit, you can save between 5% and 30% on your monthly energy bill. Tax credits for energy-efficient home improvements include the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit, which is equal to 30% of the costs for all eligible home improvements made during the year, and the High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Program, which offers $1,600 for insulation, air sealing, and ventilation.
- Make sure your home is well insulated so it loses less heat. If you don't already have it, insulation is a good investment as it reduces your future bills.
- Consider a heat pump for heating and cooling your home. A recent National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) study found that heat pumps would lower energy bills for most Americans (62% to 95% of households, depending upon heat pump efficiency).
- Switch to LED lightbulbs — they use 75% less energy than incandescent/halogen lightbulbs.
- Consider whether solar panels could be an option for your property.
- Place your thermostat where it will give you the most accurate temperature — avoid drafty windows or direct sunlight.
- If you live in a state with deregulated electricity, shop energy suppliers to find the lowest rates near you.
- Wash your clothes in cold water — this can cut your energy usage in half when doing laundry.
- Bundle up — wear warm clothes and use blankets to avoid turning up the heat.
- Use your dishwasher. Not only will washing your dishes in the dishwasher save you more time than handwashing them, but it'll also use less water and save energy. Overall, you'll save money by using the dishwasher vs. washing by hand.
Bottom line
Overall, keeping your heat set to 68°F to 70°F during the day, and 7°F to 10°F lower when you're not home, is the best way to save on heating costs. Purchasing a smart thermostat gives you the option of controlling the heat in your home conveniently from your phone, helping you to save money on utility bills during cold spells.
Related content
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.

Erin pairs personal experience with research and is passionate about sharing personal finance advice with others. Previously, she was a freelancer focusing on the credit card side of finance, but has branched out since then to cover other aspects of personal finance. Erin is well-versed in traditional media with reporting, interviewing and research, as well as using graphic design and video and audio storytelling to share with her readers.
-
Your Medicare Costs Are Set to Soar: What to Expect Over the Next Decade
Medicare beneficiaries will face higher premiums, deductibles and surcharges starting in 2026 and continuing over the next decade. Here's what you need to know.
-
How Different Generations Invest and What They Can Teach You
Boomers, Gen Xers, millennials and Gen Zers are taking varying approaches to investing. Here's what they're doing and key lessons you can learn from them.
-
How to Navigate Your Finances After Losing Your Spouse: Thoughts From a Financial Planner
It's important you get involved in financial planning now so you're prepared and confident to make decisions when you potentially become your own financial manager.
-
The Five Best Cruise Lines for Retirees
Retirement is an ideal time for cruising. Check out the five best cruise lines for comfort, ease, and unforgettable experiences.
-
My First $1 Million: Oil and Gas Retiree, 67, Round Rock, Texas
Ever wonder how someone who's made a million dollars or more did it? Kiplinger's My First $1 Million series uncovers the answers.
-
Why Jerry Quits Ben & Jerry's: 5 Signs It May Be Time for You to Do the Same
After 47 years with Ben & Jerry's, co-founder Jerry Greenfield has stepped down. His decision highlights an important truth: sometimes it's not about waiting for retirement — it's about recognizing the signs that it's time to quit.
-
Amex Platinum Just Got More Expensive: $895 Fee and $3,500 in Perks Explained
American Express raises the Platinum Card’s annual fee to $895 and expands its perks. We break down the changes so you don’t have to.
-
Falling Interest Rates: What They Mean for Homeowners, Savers and Investors
As interest rates fall, homeowners may celebrate while savers feel the pinch. Here’s what the change could mean for your money.
-
Refinance Applications Surge as Mortgage Rates Tumble
The window to refinance is reopening as mortgage rates hit their lowest level in nearly a year. Here’s what the market shift means for homeowners.
-
Average Spending by Age for Those 55 and Up: Are You Thrifty?
Everybody has their own number for how much they’ll spend in retirement. See if your's is in line with the averages.