When Should I Turn My Heat On? 

When to turn on the heat is a hot topic in many households as fall blends into winter. There isn’t a set rule governing the best time to turn on your heating system for the season. When do you turn on the heat for the year? Here are a few factors to consider!

When to Turn on the Heat This Season 

The most important sign it’s time to turn on the heat is simple; you’re cold. Your comfort is always the primary factor in home heating and cooling, so make decisions based on the needs of your family. You should also consider inside temperature health factors and use the average outdoor temperature to decide when to turn on the heat.

What Temperature to Turn the Heat on Based on Your Thermostat Setting 

In most cases, you should turn on your heating system based on indoor temperatures, not outdoors. This is because outdoor temperatures impact every home differently based on several factors, including:

  • Insulation
  • Building material
  • Location (near water, exposed to the wind, sunlight exposure, etc.)
  • The age and type of your windows

What Temperature Is Too Cold for a House? 

The World Health Organization recommends maintaining an indoor temperature of at least 64 degrees Fahrenheit while you or your family is at home. Families with babies and young children, seniors, or those with compromised immune systems may need to keep their homes warmer.

Turn on your heat when indoor temperatures reach 64 degrees to stay healthy. You may be comfortable lowering it a few degrees overnight while sleeping, which will conserve energy.

Is There an Outside Average Temperature to Turn Heat On? 

Some homeowners prefer to wait to turn on their heat until there are sustained cold temperatures outdoors before turning on the heat. In this case, you’ll want to turn on your heat whenever the average outdoor temperature is less than 64 degrees Fahrenheit for several days.

A well-maintained HVAC system can switch to heating whenever it's needed with minimal preparation. Check out our winter HVAC checklist [A1] to prepare your system for a full season of hassle-free use!

Related Content: The Ultimate Thermostat Guide

Lowering Temperature Settings for Energy Savings 

Families can balance comfort and energy savings by installing a smart thermostat to regulate indoor temperatures efficiently. Programming your thermostat to lower the temperature by 7 to 10 degrees while your family is at work or school can lower your energy bill by as much as 10%.

You can keep yourself and your family comfortable without breaking the bank. Your local One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning technicians can help find smart ways to improve energy efficiency, so you aren’t waiting to turn on the heat unnecessarily!

Stay Cozy With Home Heating Services from One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning 

Make smart HVAC decisions with friendly, expert advice from our trained Comfort Specialists. From preparing your heating system for winter or turning on the AC in spring, we help families stay comfortable all year long. Request an appointment online or call (800) 893-3523 today!

[A1]Link to Winter Checklist