Most experts suggest that homeowners turn the heat on when indoor temperatures fall below 64°Fahrenheit. Some people prefer to keep it warmer, and some are completely content waiting for cooler weather. While a few degrees may not make a huge difference in your monthly bill, you should take into consideration who lives in your home and what your preferences are.
If you are entering the heating season and have yet to have your heating system checked out by our heating and air conditioning repair, service, and installation professionals, you should do so before the cold weather hits. Heating maintenance generally includes checking the ignition and burner, calibrating control systems, and inspecting fuel lines for any leaks or damage. Ambient Edge is available for all your heating system needs.
Is It Time to Turn on the Heat?
Some people feel that the discussion about turning on the heat is purely based on personal preferences, but our preventative maintenance team at Ambient Edge suggests otherwise. While this does play a part when deciding the right time to turn the heat on, there are also technical aspects that should be considered when making the decision. The house you live in plays an important role in what your heat should be set at.
Newer homes that have been properly insulated can have the thermostat set to a lower temperature. A properly insulated home tends to have fewer temperature fluctuations, cold spots, and drafts. On the other hand, older homes with less insulation generally require the thermostat to be set higher.
Temperature tends to fluctuate more in homes with older windows and less insulation, creating difficulty in keeping the house at a comfortable temperature. The location of your thermostat can play a role in the temperature your home will need to be kept at as well. A thermostat reads the temperature around it, so if it is in a warm place close to the kitchen or laundry room, it may read warmer than areas such as bedrooms that are farther away and could be draftier.
General Guidelines to Use for Turning on the Heat
The reading on the thermostat does not always reflect the overall temperature of your home. You will want to be sure that the thermostat is in proper working order, and remember that older thermostat units may not be as reliable as newer digital thermostats. A few general guidelines we suggest when deciding the correct time to turn the heat on in your home are as follows:
- If your home is older, has drafts, or has insufficient insulation, the thermostat should be set a few degrees higher.
- Do not install the thermostat near a laundry room, bathroom, or kitchen.
- Place the thermostat in a central location away from cold or hot spots.
- Install the thermostat where your family spends the majority of their time.
No matter how new or old your home is, set the temperature to where you feel comfortable. Comfort has no definitive best temperature, and it is a personal preference. For most people, the overall best temperature tends to fall in the range of 64°F to 68°F.
How Cold Does It Need to Be Outside for the Heat to Be Turned On?
The temperature outdoors should not determine when your heat should be turned on, and only the indoor temperature should matter. There may be several reasons one home could feel colder while another feels warmer, even when the temperature outside is the same; While no two houses are the same, certain qualities may explain why houses may feel different. Some important points to consider are:
- A home that is well-insulated and has good thermal mass stays warmer than a home that is not.
- Energy-efficient doors and windows can help maintain air temperature indoors.
- The position of a home plays a role in indoor temp. A house with plenty of sunshine is typically warmer than a home in the shade.
- Material used for building matters, too. Concrete, stone, and brick homes can absorb and release the heat more slowly. These homes typically feel warmer than a home sided with vinyl or built out of wood.
- Drafts can be a big issue. A home that has been properly sealed up tight feels warmer than a drafty home.
- The design of a home can affect temperature as well. A single-story home with a properly insulated ceiling can feel warmer since heat generally stays within the living space. A home with a cathedral ceiling or a two-story home can feel cooler since heat rises toward the high ceilings or to the second floor.
- Another factor is humidity. In many cases, humid climates can feel warmer than they actually are. Thermostats only read the temperature in the air, not the humidity. In these cases, you should adjust your thermostat setting according to how the home feels.
To determine the temperature, you should always consider the indoor temperature, not the outdoor temperature. Each home will be different, so everyone must adjust their temperature according to how the inside of their home feels.
Things to Do Before Turning On Your Heat
There are several things homeowners should do prior to turning their heater on each year. Many of these things can be done on your own. But if you prefer help, call a local HVAC company such as Ambient Edge.
Clean or Change the Filter
A dirty filter can cause your heating system to run inefficiently. This causes the heater to produce less heat than it should. Clean or replace the filter before using it since a clean filter means the indoor air quality of your home is better and creates a more efficient heating system.
System Test
A full system test should be run before temperatures become too frigid. Running the system on high for several hours will help you notice weird sounds, smells, and heat loss. Doing this before the start of the season is your best bet.
Seal Drafts
Caulking or weatherstripping can save you a ton of money. Older homes tend to lose plenty of heat due to drafts. Reducing the cold air entering your home can lower your furnace usage.
Get Help from Our HVAC Professionals Today
Call Ambient Edge or book online using our booking tool for all of your heating needs. Whether you went to turn your heat on and found it was not working or know your system is in need of replacement or repair, our team of HVAC professionals is here to make your life easier. Fill out our online contact form or call us to get started today.