Welcome to autumn, when one day is cool and the next is warm, back, and forth. You want to be comfortable while also not turning your heat on too soon. Deciding when to turn on your heat is key.
How do you feel about the fall season? Some say it’s their favorite time of year – sports on TV, cool enough to work outside in the yard and who doesn’t love sweater weather? This could be a reason to be upset as temperatures start to dance back and forth between summer heat and winter chill. In fact, for those of us who thrive in summer, it may seem like every time the temps drop below 50 degrees outside we immediately declare “It’s time to crank up the heat!”
The weather in the Fall can be tricky. The are typically cold and there may even be some signs of frost. However, by lunch time temperatures in Connecticut can climb with the help of the warmth of the sun. Therefore, many families have a hard time deciding when to turn on the heat for the season.
At What Temperature Should I Turn My Heat On?
Outdoor temperature should not determine when you turn your heat on, indoor temperature should. That’s because a variety of factors could make one home feel cold while the house next door is comfortable during the same outdoor temperature. For example, a well-insulated house will stay warmer than one that isn’t. Energy-efficient windows and doors will also help maintain your indoor air temperature.
Consider these things when deciding to turn on your heating system:
- Indoor Temperatures:
- The World Health Organization (WHO) has defined standards for healthy indoor temperatures. WHO recommends a minimum indoor temperature of 64.4 degrees Fahrenheit, but if you have children or are a senior, 69.8 degrees would be ideal. The average temperatures where home owners decide to turn on the heat in CT range from the low 40s to the high 60s, so this is when CT households turn on the furnace for the first time in fall/winter.
- Personal Preference:
- If you don’t mind the cold, you may be able to easily let temperatures in your home fall below the advice of WHO. It should be obvious that if you find yourself uncomfortably cold even with extra layers on, you should consider turning on your heating system. You shouldn’t have to be shivering in your own home.
- Sleeping Temperatures:
- Many homeowners will adjust the heat so that their home is comfortable at night. Having warmer bedding may be a way to save on energy costs, but if you still find yourself cold or have young children, set the thermostat higher at night and then turn it back down during the day.
If you wait too long to turn on the heat, some materials in your home will start to absorb moisture, for example: wood, sheetrock, some kinds of insulation, some stone and brick inside homes and upholstery. Heat evaporates moisture. Try to keep temperature above 64 degrees to keep humidity problems to a minimum. Condensation increases the time to bring the temperature to a comfortable level.
When you are ready to start using your heat regularly, contact Total Mechanical Systems for a pre-season inspection and tune-up. We will make sure your heating system is ready for the season so that you can start using it whenever the temperatures seem to be cold enough for you.
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Sources: https://tragar.com/hvac-blog/when-should-you-turn-your-heat-on/, https://allairsystemsnj.com/how-cold-does-it-have-to-be-to-you-turn-on-your-heat-and-what-temperature-do-you-set-it-at/#:~:text=Consider%20these%20things%20when%20deciding,69.8%20degrees%20would%20be%20ideal., https://www.royalairhvac.com/decide-time-turn-heat/
