The lovely season of fall is characterized by chilly temperatures, burnt-orange leaves, and the mouthwatering aroma of pumpkin spice. However, it can also be a season when the weather is the most erratic. You may feel warm one second, then start adding clothes. Because of this, timing the precise turn-on of your heating system can be challenging. Making the decision about when to turn on the heater might feel quite difficult when the rising cost of electricity is added to the situation.
Some could argue that turning on the heat in cold weather is a given, while others counter that it’s preferable to wait until the temperature lowers significantly. Some people think it’s more precise to turn on the heat in the fall by keeping an eye on the weather on a daily basis.
What then is the correct response? When should your heating system actually be turned on? Find out by reading on!
WHEN TO TURN ON THE HEAT WITH COLD WEATHER AROUND THE CORNER
How to Choose the Right Time to Start Your Home’s Heat?
There is no set temperature for when to put on the heat; instead, it depends on your location, the weather, the insulation of your home, your comfort level, and your budget. When choosing the ideal time to turn on the heat in your home, keep the following tips in mind.
Your own environment
In the winter, the WHO advises keeping interior temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are hosting young children, the elderly, or anyone with a medical condition, the minimum temperature should be greater than 68 degrees.
If the temperature inside your home falls below this level, it might be time to turn on the heat.
Personal Preference
The above-mentioned WHO-recommended temperature range might not suit everyone. Your comfort level may differ from mine. You don’t need to turn on the heat if you don’t feel the cold, even if the temperature is below 65 degrees. You can keep using less energy! On the other hand, you can surely utilize your heating unit if you feel chilly and uneasy while it is 77 inside. Your primary concern should be your own comfort.
Bedtime Temperature
It is widely agreed that a temperature of about 65 F is best for sleeping. It is advised to maintain your thermostat set between 60 and 67 degrees for a comfortable night’s sleep.
You can use the heating system for a few hours if the temperature in your bedroom drops below 65 degrees Fahrenheit at night. Try lowering the temperature by 7 to 10 degrees from what it is set to throughout the day to conserve electricity. For instance, you may set your thermostat to 61 F at night if it is set to 68 F during the day. To maintain comfort without turning up the heat, you can also use warm bedding and a blanket.
WHAT IS THE BEST THERMOSTAT SETTING FOR WINTER?
When you are at home in the winter, the ideal thermostat setting is between 68 and 72 F. This series strikes the ideal mix between energy efficiency and comfort. By lowering the temperature by 7 to 10 degrees from your typical settings while you are away from home or asleep, you can save even more money.
Pro Tip: Manually tweaking the thermostat to have different settings for day and night might be a bother. Your home’s climate control can be automated with a smart thermostat or smart AC controller that works with a mini-split, window, or portable heat pump. You may easily create schedules with these smart devices, and your temperature settings will be implemented automatically at the times you specify.
How to Prepare for Heating System Turn-On
You must perform a few crucial tasks before turning on the heat, such as inspecting the heating system and ensuring that the insulation in your home is adequate. You can simply keep warm and comfortable in the winter with the right preparations.
1.Replace your thermostat
If your thermostat is particularly old or broken, it’s wise to upgrade it given that energy costs in the US are at their highest level since 1981. Modern thermostats come equipped with cutting-edge technologies that can minimize your electricity costs.
Consider switching to a smart thermostat or AC controller when upgrading. These sophisticated capabilities that these smart devices offer might help you keep your preferred temperature while using less energy. You can make sure your device isn’t running when it isn’t necessary with next-generation capabilities. Additionally, you may monitor usage and take the appropriate steps to conserve energy.
2. Find & Fix Air Leaks
Small air leaks may go unnoticed, but over time, they can have a big impact on your home’s comfort and energy costs. Cracks and openings allow cold air to enter your home, while hot air from your HVAC system can readily escape. Your home’s energy expenditures can be reduced by 15% on average by locating and correcting air leaks.
Around doors, windows, pipes, flooring, chimneys, ductwork, and wiring gaps, drafts are frequently discovered. To fill in small cracks all throughout your house, apply caulk. Apply weatherstripping to stop leaks around windows and doors. Your floorboard cracks can be filled using silicone-based filler. Additionally, look for leaks around your air ducts. To seal off the duct openings and keep heat from escaping, use foil tape or duct mastic.
3. Perform Tune-ups
Regular HVAC tune-ups are one of the best ways to make sure your equipment is operating at its peak performance. This entails clearing the AC filters and looking for any indications of wear and tear, damage, or leaks. Plan a maintenance check with a qualified technician, if necessary. This aids in finding any problems, such as odd HVAC sounds or smells.
4. Test Run Your Heating System
Perform a practice run before it becomes cold after the tune-ups. This aids in the early detection of problems and keeps you from having to endure the cold because of a malfunctioning HVAC system.
5. Increase Your Home’s Humidity Levels
The humidity levels decline along with the temperature. Additionally, when you turn on the heater, the moisture in the air will be further removed.
Numerous health concerns, including an increase in allergies, dry skin, respiratory disorders, and nosebleeds, can be brought on by the dry winter air. Additionally, it may cause harm to your wooden walls, furniture, and floor.
You can add houseplants, let your clothing air dry, or spend money on a humidifier to raise the humidity level in your home. Here is a comprehensive manual on how to deal with the dry winter air in your house.
6. Check Safety Alarms
One of your home’s most crucial safety features is a smoke alarm. Your smoke alarm must function in the event that anything goes wrong during heating. They need frequent maintenance in order to function properly.
Smoke alarms are more likely to fail if they aren’t checked frequently, which might put you in danger. Therefore, to make sure they are in good working order before the heating season begins, test your smoke alarms now. Check to see if the battery in your alarm or detector needs to be replaced.