As summer wanes and autumn’s brisk temperatures settle in, you might reach for an extra blanket or a sweater to combat the chill. However, with a little help from your furnace or heating unit, you’ll be able to stay warm without piling on an uncomfortable amount of layers.
Knowing when to turn your heat on this fall can help you stay comfortable as seasons change. Our team at Ambient Edge recommends that you turn on your heat once indoor air temperatures have started to dip below 64 degrees.
Health Experts’ Advice on When to Turn the Heat on This Fall
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), homeowners should keep their indoor air temperature between 64 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Doing so will provide you with the optimal environment for overall health and comfort.
The WHO’s recommendation applies to rooms you spend most of your time in, like the living room, kitchen, bedroom, and home office. Turning on your heat once fall temperatures reach below 64 degrees will help you keep your home within the WHO’s target temperature range.
If you are over the age of 65 or have a child under the age of two, we recommend keeping your house slightly warmer than the WHO’s suggestion. That means you’ll want to turn your heat on a bit earlier this fall. The same recommendation applies to people with allergies, chronic conditions, and poor immune systems.
Waiting to Turn Your Heat on Can Help You Save Money
Unfortunately, the cost of natural gas and electricity can make heating your home incredibly expensive. If you are young and in good health, you can probably wait a little longer to turn on your heat this fall. Doing so will help you save money on your energy bill and reduce your impact on the environment.
If you choose to delay turning on your heat, you won’t want to wait so long that your house becomes unsafe. Once the air temperature in your main living area has sat below 64 degrees for seven days, it’s time to reach for the thermostat. Waiting any longer than seven days to turn up the thermostat could put your health at risk.
If you want to save money on your utility bill without compromising on comfort, consider upgrading your heating system. Installing an EnergyStar® certified heating unit will help you lower your energy consumption and your monthly heating expenses. A new unit will also heat your home more effectively, as today’s HVAC products use cutting-edge technology.
Steps You Should Take Before Switching Your Heat on This Fall
Once fall arrives, there are a few steps you can take before you turn your heat on. Here’s what you can do to ensure that your heating system works properly and efficiently throughout the entire cold season:
- Clean or change filters: Cleaning and changing your HVAC system’s filters is an important step to take before firing up your heating unit. Doing so will improve your home’s air quality and the efficiency of your furnace.
- Seal gaps: Sealing gaps in your windows and doors can prevent heat transfer and reduce the amount of energy your heating system consumes. For a lasting seal, we recommend that you use weatherstripping.
- Rearrange furniture: Before you turn on your heat for the fall season, you’ll want to move any pieces of furniture that are blocking heat vents. This simple step will improve the flow of warm air in your home and help you stay comfortable when temperatures reach bone-chilling lows.
- Invest in rugs and drapes: In addition to the aesthetic benefits, adding a well-placed rug or curtain to your home can help you retain heat and prevent drafts.
- Test thermostat: To get the most out of your heating system, make sure to test your thermostat before temperatures start to drop. A faulty thermostat will make it hard for you to warm your home effectively, leaving you and your family shivering through autumn’s coldest nights.
- Clean air ducts and vents: Cleaning dust and removing blockages from your air vents will help your heating unit work more efficiently and reduce the amount of allergens in your home.
Schedule an HVAC Tuneup Before You Turn Your Heat On
Scheduling a fall HVAC maintenance appointment before you turn your heat on will ensure that your heating system is ready to combat low temperatures. During an HVAC maintenance appointment, a technician will perform tests on your heating equipment and look for early warning signs of system failure.
If a technician diagnoses an issue with your heating system, they’ll make small and inexpensive fixes that will help your unit run properly throughout fall and winter. Catching problems early will not only help you stay comfortable this autumn, but it will also save you from paying for an expensive repair or replacement in the future.
At Ambient Edge, we suggest that homeowners invest in annual or bi-annual HVAC maintenance. Scheduling regular maintenance appointments will help you get the most out of your heating and cooling equipment, reduce your energy consumption, and extend the lifespan of your HVAC units.
Contact Ambient Edge for All of Your Fall Heating Needs
Knowing when to turn your furnace or heating unit on this fall is a great way to protect yourself from uncomfortable temperatures, but it’s only half the battle. Contact the team at Ambient Edge to ensure that your home is prepared for the coming cold season.
Our NATE-certified technicians can pay you a visit, assess your HVAC system, and determine what it needs to effectively heat your home all season long. Depending on the state of your system, they might recommend a simple tuneup, a more comprehensive repair, or a replacement installation.