Jorge Morales, industrial engineer: “It’s false that leaving the heating on saves money”
An energy-consumption expert has offered up some key tips for those who want to save on their gas and electricity bills this winter.
When temperatures drop during the winter months, gas and electricity costs climb. Heating becomes the primary lifeline, along with proper home insulation, to fight off the winter chill. But keeping the heat on often comes with a hefty price tag.
“False from an energy standpoint”
Jorge Morales de Labra, an industrial engineer and energy‑consumption specialist, told Spanish radio station Cadena COPE that the idea of leaving the heating on all day at a low temperature to save money “is false from an energy standpoint.” The reason is simple: “Any heating system consumes energy whenever it’s running. In fact, even if you head out to buy bread and come back five minutes later, it’s still more economical to turn the heating off while you’re gone.”
This runs counter to the common belief that turning the heating back on uses significantly more energy than keeping it running steadily - and that, for this reason, it should stay on continuously to reduce overall consumption. Despite that misconception, Morales explains that total energy use drops when heating is limited strictly to the moments when it’s actually needed.
Other tips for saving energy
Experts recommend setting the thermostat between 66°F and 70°F (19–21°C) when heating the main living areas. At night, if you prefer to keep the heat on, lowering the temperature by a few degrees is advisable, as each degree of increase raises your bill by roughly 6% to 8%.
Managing heating schedules is also key to reducing costs. The system running can be programmed to operate only when household members are actually in, and to switch off when no one is home.
Insulation is a crucial long‑term investment for those looking to save more over time. Quality windows and well‑insulated walls help retain heat indoors, allowing for far more efficient use of heating. In addition, it’s wise to take advantage of natural warmth during the day by opening curtains and raising blinds to let sunlight in.
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