Does Lowering Your Thermostat Affect Your Gas Bill?

The typical US family spends about $1,900 a year on home utility bills, according to the US Department of Energy. You waste a lot of that money losing heat through windows, doors, exterior walls, ductwork and under-insulated attics. You can pay for a professional energy auditor to determine where loss is taking place or check for yourself. Many utility companies will send an auditor for free or for a fee to use infrared cameras, blower doors and surface thermometers to find leaks and drafts.

According to the US Department of Energy, lowering your thermostat 10 to15 degrees for eight hours can save you 5 to 15 percent a year on your heating bills. Raising your thermostat during warmer months can save you the same amount on your cooling bills. According to the Energy Information Association, lowering your thermostat by 1 degree can save you $15 to $40 a year annually. Savings are highest in mild climates. Installing a programmable thermostat works well by automatically lowering or raising the temperature for a set time and returning it to comfortable levels at a time that's convenient for you.

Some heating systems don't offer the same savings. The US Department of Energy does not recommend programmable thermostats for heat pumps, as lowering the temperature causes them to operate inefficiently. Steam and radiant floor heat often have a slow response time, sometimes taking several hours. Few companies offer the line voltage programmable thermostats you need to operate electric baseboard heating systems.

You can take other measures to save energy. Turn off exhaust fans after they run for 20 minutes and place covers over them when they don't leak. Make sure your insulation is up to standard and add more if it isn't. Change furnace filters regularly and have regular maintenance performed on all your appliances. Place foam sealant in gaps around windows and baseboards and caulk or weather-strip all cracks and gaps. Keep the fireplace flue closed when not in use and put foam gaskets behind electrical outlets and switch plates. Place programmable thermostats in areas away from windows, doors, sunlight and drafts so they operate correctly.