Should You Turn Your Heat On and Off During Winter? Long Energy Explains How to Save Money Safely

When winter settles into the Capital Region, many homeowners look for ways to cut heating costs—especially during long stretches of freezing temperatures. One of the most common questions we hear is: “Is it cheaper to turn the heat off when I’m not home, or should I keep it running?”

At Long Energy, we’ve kept Upstate New York homes warm since 1945, and we know a thing or two about efficiency. Here’s what you need to know.

Is It Better to Turn Your Heat Off or Leave It On?

The short answer: Don’t turn your heat completely off during winter.

25 ways to Save

Doing so can actually waste more energy and even put your home at risk.

When your house gets too cold, your heating system must work significantly harder to bring it back to a comfortable temperature. Worse, letting indoor temperatures drop too low can lead to frozen pipes, moisture issues, and extra strain on your HVAC equipment.

What to Do Instead

Use setbacks, not shutdowns. Lower your thermostat by 5–8 degrees when you’re away or sleeping, but keep baseline heat running to maintain safe, efficient temperatures.

Why Constant Heat Cycling Can Cost You More

If you shut the heat off for long periods, your home loses warmth through walls, windows, and floors. When you come back and turn your system on, it has to run at full power for a long period of time to “catch up.”

This spike in usage can negate any savings—and in some cases, increase your overall fuel consumption.

The Safe Minimum Temperature for Winter

We recommend keeping indoor temperatures no lower than 55°F.This protects plumbing lines and keeps humidity levels in check. Homes in rural or exposed areas—like parts of Greene, Columbia, Washington, or Schoharie County—may benefit from temperatures closer to 58–60°F.

Smart Thermostats Make Winter Heating Easier

A smart or programmable thermostat lets you:

• Automatically lower temperatures when you’re out

• Warm the house before you return

• Track energy usage and fine-tune comfort settings

• Reduce fuel consumption without sacrificing comfort

Long Energy’s HVAC team can help you choose and install the right thermostat for your home.