Turning the heat down, not off, is the sweet spot. It protects your home, saves energy, and stretches the life of your system.
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When you leave your home on a cold winter day, you probably ask yourself: “Should I turn down the heat… or just leave it running?”.
It seems harmless to keep your place warm while you’re out. But here’s the thing: you could be wasting hundreds of dollars a year without even realising it. At DEEPCHILL, we’ve worked with thousands of Gold Coast homeowners, and this is one of the top questions we get every winter. So we went digging into the data and the answers might surprise you.
Turning down the heat = Real savings
Here’s what the U.S. Department of Energy says: “You can save up to 10% a year on heating bills just by turning your thermostat down 7 to 10°F (around 4 – 6°C) for 8 hours a day”.
That’s money in your pocket, without sacrificing comfort, especially when you’re not even home to enjoy the warmth.
The science behind it? A cooler house loses heat more slowly, which means your system doesn’t need to work as hard overall. The longer your home stays cooler, the more energy you save.
But don’t turn it off completely
We get that turning off the heat seems like the ultimate saving move. But trust us, that’s a rookie mistake.
Why?
- Pipes can freeze if the indoor temperature drops too low (even on Gold Coast’s cooler hinterland nights).
- Pets and wooden furniture need a minimum level of warmth to stay safe.
- Reheating a freezing-cold home when you return can cost more than keeping it gently warm.
DEEPCHILL recommend setting your thermostat no lower than 13°C (55°F) when you’re out. This keeps your space safe, energy use low, and your system running efficiently.
Smart moves: Automate your heating
Want a hands-off solution? Install a smart thermostat. These devices learn your routine and adjust your heating to match.
According to ENERGY STAR, smart thermostats can cut heating and cooling bills by 8–10% annually. They’re perfect for Gold Coast families who want comfort without the hassle.
DEEPCHILL’s winter AC tips for Gold Coast homes
With 40+ years servicing air conditioning systems across Gold Coast, here’s what we recommend:
- Set your home to ~20°C (68°F) when inside
- Drop to 13–16°C (55–60°F) when leaving the house
- Don’t block air vents, especially near windows and doors
- Clean your filters monthly – dirty filters = up to 25% loss in efficiency
Ready to save more this winter?
Let DEEPCHILL, your local Gold Coast air conditioning experts, help you install smart solutions for comfort that doesn’t cost the earth.
