Many families have a hard time deciding when to turn on the heating system.
Most people start using furnaces as soon as the outside temperature falls below 55 degrees Fahrenheit. There are some people who wait until the temperature drops into the low 40s and it gets freezing cold outside to turn on the heat.
Are you wondering if it is cold enough to turn on the heat?
Well, when to turn on the heat depends mostly on your personal preference. The goal is to maintain healthy indoor temperatures even when it gets uncomfortably cold outside.
We’ll answer some of the common questions you may have about using furnaces when the weather gets cold.
Table of Contents
How to Decide If You Should Turn on Your Heater
The outdoor temperature should not determine when to turn on the heat. The indoor temperature of your house should be the deciding factor.
If your home is well insulated, it will feel warmer than houses that aren’t. As long as your home is at a comfortable temperature, there is no need to switch your HVAC system setting from cooling to heating.
When you start to feel cold, you should consider putting on some extra layers of clothing and covering yourself under a cozy blanket to get comfortable. Only turn on the heat when it gets typically cold.
Experts recommend turning on the heat when the indoor temperature drops lower than 64.4 degrees Fahrenheit. If you have young children, seniors, or people who are sick in your home, you should set the thermostat higher. 69.8 degrees Fahrenheit would be an ideal temperature.
For young children, use warmer bedding and set a higher minimum indoor temperature to prevent them from getting sick.
Another factor that affects the average temperatures at which you should turn on the heat is the amount of humidity in the air. When humidity drops, your house can feel cooler at 72 degrees Fahrenheit and you may feel the need to turn on the heat.
Many homeowners prefer to use the defined standards for indoor temperature but we suggest following how cool you feel to set your thermostat temperature.
What to Do Before You Turn on the Heater This Winter
There are a few things you should do before it is time to turn on the heater this season.
Clean the Filters
Dirty filters can reduce the efficiency of your heating system. You should either clean the filters or replace them (if needed) to ensure the efficient operation of your heater.
When it comes to cleaning, you should pay attention to all components of the furnace and not just the filters. A dirty motor and blower can also cause the furnace to malfunction.
Check the Thermostat
Set the thermostat to lunchtime temperatures and sleeping temperatures as it starts to get cold outside. If you still feel uncomfortable after setting the thermostat, you should check whether or not it is functioning properly.
Old thermostats might need to be replaced if they are not working properly. You can call an HVAC technician to check, repair, or replace it before it starts to get too cool outside.
Do a Pre-Season Inspection of Your Heating System
You should start your furnace or heating system before it gets too cold. If you don’t service your furnace regularly, there are chances that it may not be working optimally. So, it’s better to check its performance in advance by doing a practice run.
It will help you detect problems, noise issues, and bad smells early. You can then schedule service by professionals and get your unit fixed before you need it.
Keep Your Heating Vents Clean, Clear, and Open
You should check that vents and radiators are open and clear. Move any furniture that may be restricting the flow of warm air through the vents.
You should also wipe the vents to get rid of dust and improve warm air circulation.
Seal the Gaps Around Doors and Windows
You should take necessary measures for heat retention such as sealing the gaps around your doors and windows. It will prevent cold air from entering the house and keep the warmth intact.
When you minimize the amount of cold air that enters your house, you will be able to reduce the use of a furnace, which will also help you save on energy costs.
FAQs
- At what temperature should you turn your heating system on?
Experts recommend that you turn on your heating system when the temperature drops to 64.4 degrees Fahrenheit. However, if you have young children or seniors at home, set the thermostat to 69.8 degrees Fahrenheit.
- What month should you turn your heating system on?
You should turn on your heating system when the weather gets cold and you start feeling uncomfortable. Many homeowners start using their furnaces and heating systems around late October.
- Why is my heating system not turning on?
If your heating system is not turning on, there could be many reasons behind it. You should check it for the following issues:
- Lack of maintenance such as dirty air filters, motor blower, or burners
- Thermostat issues
- Issues with air filters and airflow
- Low refrigerant levels
- Failed starting components
- Faulty pilot light
- Cracked heat exchanger
- Improper ductwork design or installation
You should call HVAC technicians to check and tune-up your heating system before the temperatures drop every year.
- When should the heat be turned on at night?
The best sleeping temperatures are somewhere between 60-67 degrees Fahrenheit. So, you should turn on the heat when the temperature starts falling below this range to have a comfortable sleep.
It’s best to set your thermostat to 65 degrees Fahrenheit from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. at night.
- How can I save money on heating bills this winter season?
Turning off the heat to save money on heating bills is a bad idea because it will make you uncomfortable and also disrupt your sleep quality.
Instead, you can use other measures to save money on heating bills this winter season. Here are a few quick tips for you:
- Invest in a smart or programmable thermostat and set it between 64-69 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the day to maintain efficiency and lower your monthly heating bills.
- Inspect your home for air leaks around walls, ceilings, plumbing and electrical fixtures, window frames, etc. that can be causing warm air to escape. Fixing those air leaks will help you retain the warmth in your house and prevent your heater from working harder.
- Maintain and service your HVAC system regularly for optimal efficiency and cost savings. Experts recommend annual servicing and cleaning for best use.
- Use a fireplace to keep your home warm during winters.
- Make sure that your heating vents are clear and open. Move any furniture or boxes that could be blocking warm air from flowing into your home.
- Use the heat from sun rays to warm your home by opening the curtains on sunny days. Close them at night to add another layer of insulation.
- How can you find a reputable company for heating repairs?
To find a reputable company for heating repairs, you should consider the following factors:
- Check the company for licensing and experience.
- See how many HVAC installations and repairs they have done in the past.
- Read reviews from their previous customers.
- Make sure that their technicians are trained and certified in HVAC installation and servicing.
- Visit their website to learn more and call them to get free estimates.
These points will help you vet an HVAC company before you hire their technicians.
We at Bradshaw Heating and Air conditioning, have been in business for over 34 years. You can call us for annual heating maintenance as well as emergency heating repairs in Folsom and the greater Sacramento area.
Final Thoughts
Heating systems have become essential to ensure your family’s comfort during the freezing winter months. Before it is time to turn on the heater, you should make an appointment with HVAC professionals like us to check your furnace or heating system for performance.
Whether you need annual air conditioning and heating system maintenance or just want to schedule service for your furnace, we do it all. Just give us a call at (530) 903-6061 today.
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