Chilly temperatures, burnt-orange leaves, and the mouthwatering aroma of pumpkin spice characterize the beginning of fall. However, it can also be when the weather is most erratic. The temperature shifts wildly throughout the day, with sun and rain competing in the sky. Knowing the best time to turn your heating on can be tricky, especially when you factor in the rising cost of electricity. Do you turn it on the first time the weather dips low, or wait until it’s consistently too cold to function without it?
At Calvey Heating & Air, we believe the best time to turn your heating on is a personal preference. However, if you’re uncomfortable in your own home, or have elderly people, children under the age of two, or pets living with you, or if there’s a risk of your pipes freezing, it’s a good idea to kick that furnace into high gear.
In Northern California, the first frost usually hits around late November, with the coldest temperatures settling in between December and February. With that in mind, we recommend having your furnace serviced in early fall at the latest so it’s ready to heat your home when the temperatures dip below 40°F later in the year.
Factors to Consider Before Turning On Your Heater
Some important things to think about before turning on your heater this fall include:
- The last time you had furnace maintenance
- Your personal preference and cold tolerance
- Whether you’re ready for your energy bill to increase
Best Time To Turn Heating On
There’s no perfect time to turn on your heat. 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, you may want to consider the following.
Who’s in the house
In the winter, the WHO advises keeping interior temperatures between 65°F and 75°F. If young children, the elderly, or anyone with a medical condition is present, the minimum temperature should be greater than 68°F to reduce serious health risks. 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. You don’t need to turn on the heat if you don’t feel the cold, but if you feel chilly, turn your thermostat from AC to heat. Your primary concern should be your comfort.
Bedtime temperature
It is widely agreed that a temperature of about 65°F is best for sleeping. Keep your thermostat between 60°F and 67°F for a comfortable night’s sleep. You can lower your in-home temperature by up to 10°F through the night, using warm bedding and a blanket to conserve electricity and keep cozy.
Insulation
Many northern California homes were built without appropriate winter insulation, which can become a problem when temperatures approach freezing. As heat escapes, pipes burst, and your home may feel cold, even at 70°F or warmer. If your home lacks insulation, consider turning your heat on earlier in the year and adding insulation to conserve energy and keep your home consistently comfortable. .
What Temperature Should a Heater Be Set To In Winter?
If you’re wondering what temperature a heater should be on in the winter, you’re not alone. The ideal thermostat setting in winter is between 68°F and 72°F, balancing energy efficiency and comfort. You’ll save on your next energy bill by lowering the temperature by a few degrees while you’re away from home or asleep. In most cases, the coldest temperature you should let your house get to is around 65°F.
Pro Tip: You can program a smart thermostat or smart AC controller with unique settings for day and night, automating your home’s climate control. Use these smart devices to create schedules that best suit your lifestyle, keeping you toasty and cooling down when needed.
Signs It’s Time To Turn On Your Heater
Some signs of when you should turn on your heat include:
- The outdoor temperature gets cold enough to burst your pipes (anywhere below 50°F)
- You feel uncomfortably chilly when inside your home
- The temperature inside the house is below 64°F
How to Prepare Your Heating System Before Turning It On
The following are a few crucial tasks to take care of before turning on the heat.
Tuning up your HVAC system
Regular HVAC maintenance allows HVAC experts to make sure your equipment is operating at peak performance. This entails changing the filters and looking for any indications of wear and tear, damage, or leaks. Plan a maintenance check with a qualified technician before turning the heat on for the first time in fall or winter to prevent small issues from becoming major problems and get your system ready for the incoming winter chill.
Replacing your thermostat
Energy costs in the US are higher than they have been since 1981, but upgrading your old or malfunctioning thermostat will give you access to cutting-edge smart technologies that can minimize your electricity costs. Modern thermostats use less energy while keeping your home’s temperature at your ideal range. Their next-generation capabilities help you ensure your furnace isn’t running unnecessarily, and you can monitor your usage in person or remotely.
Finding and fixing air leaks
Small air leaks may go unnoticed, but they can significantly impact your home’s comfort and energy costs. Cracks and openings allow cold air to enter your home while hot air from your HVAC system escapes.
Your home’s energy expenditures can be reduced by 15% on average by locating and filling air leaks around doors, windows, pipes, flooring, chimneys, ductwork, and wiring gaps. Caulk fills small cracks, weatherstripping stops leaks around windows and doors, and floorboard cracks can be filled using silicone-based filler. Additionally, look for leaks around your air ducts. Use foil tape or duct mastic to seal duct openings and keep heat from escaping.
Increasing your home’s humidity levels
Humidity levels decline along with the temperature, and when you turn on the heater, the moisture in the air is further removed. Dry winter air can cause numerous health concerns, including an increase in allergies, dry skin, respiratory disorders, and nosebleeds. Additionally, it may harm your wooden walls, furniture, and floor.
Add houseplants, let your clothing air dry indoors, or buy a humidifier to raise the humidity level in your home.
Checking safety alarms
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are some of your home’s most crucial safety features. Check them frequently to make sure they’re in good working order before you turn on the heat to keep your family safe once the furnace is running at full force.
Schedule Furnace Service with Calvey Heating and Air
With the right preparation, you’ll stay warm and comfortable all winter long. At Calvey Heating and Air, we offer quality furnace tune-ups and repair services you can trust. If you’re looking for reliable work at an honest price, contact us today and schedule your heating system maintenance appointment.