DIYbanter - View Single Post - Trying to figure out heat...does this make sense?

wrote:
So for the past few years, I would keep the thero at 68 during the day
while I am at work, then to 70 when I am home.

With the increase in oil cost and more inefficiency in my heating
system (I am working on it), I am needing to put the thermo to 72
degrees when I am home to be comfortable.

Here is a formula:

Old way:

10 hours @ 68 degrees = 680
14 hours @ 70 degrees = 980

Total of hours x degrees = 1660

New way:

10 hours @ 65 degrees = 650
14 hours @ 72 degrees = 1008

Total of hours x degrees = 1658

Does heat work that way, or does it take more juice to get to 72
degrees instead of 70?
Feel free to tell my how foolish my heat calculation is.

The wind outside is a major factor in the amount of heat loss.