Myth:

I use more power reheating a room after lowering the temperature than I do leaving it at a constant temperature, even when I'm away.

Busted:

The energy needed to reheat a house is almost the same as is saved while it cools. Where you save on energy is the length of time that you keep the temperature low. The longer your house remains at the lower temperature, the more energy you save. For every degree (Celsius) you lower your thermostat overnight for an eight-hour period, you can save up to two per cent on your heating costs. This means that when used properly, a programmable thermostat can save you about $59 a year in heating costs*. The new smart thermostats like Nest or ecobee make it even easier to be comfortable and save energy by learning your habits and adjusting the temperature for you automatically. You can also adjust them from your mobile device or through a web application. Not ready to invest in a new thermostat? Here are some suggested settings to help you stay comfortable without overheating:

• Sitting reading or watching TV — 21° C
• Working around the house — 20° C
• Sleeping — 16° C
• No one is home — 16° C