HOW TO Know When to Turn On the Furnace

It’s been an unseasonably warm start to fall, but we’re well aware that the cold weather season is right around the corner. You probably have memories of growing up and wishing that your parents would turn up the heat. Yet, now that you’re the one in control of the thermostat and heating costs, you might not be so certain. So, how do you know when to turn on the furnace?

Q: “When do I turn on the furnace?”

A: “Well, it depends…”

As you’ve probably suspected, there’s no clear-cut answer here. Every family and every home is completely different, as are their heating needs and preferences. However, there is a way to decide when is the best time for you to turn on your home’s heat.

There are a lot of factors that could determine your best time – such as…

How old is your home? What kind of insulation does your home have?

If you want to know when you should turn on your heating, the first question you need to ask yourself is…

What do you care about the most?

Comfort OR Cost?

You chose: COMFORT

If you chose comfort, you’re probably well aware of your family’s need for a warm home. We’ve all got that 1 family member who tries to make us on the heat before the rest of the family is ready. Or the one who refuses to layer up no matter what season it is. Either way, you know that the thermostat war is coming and you’re going to be ready for it.

Your best time to turn on the furnace: End of September – Beginning of October

  • This time period will allow for your unit to run ahead of the busy season. In addition, you will be able to easily schedule an appointment for your heating system.

You chose: COST

If you chose cost, you’re probably sick of those high utility costs. When you think back to previous years, you remember waiting until you absolutely can’t bear the cold anymore.

Your best time to turn on the furnace: Mid October – Beginning of November

  • Keep in mind that you will be turning on your unit during the busy season for heating contractors, meaning there will be less availability. If you have a specific time or day that you need a heating appointment, make sure to call a few weeks out to guarantee the best time for your family.

NOT willing to choose?

If you’ve got a divided house and can’t seem to get everyone on the same page…

Go ahead and get your furnace checked!

We recommend getting your furnace checked early in the season. Even if you don’t want to blast your heating right away, you will be able to turn on your furnace with confidence later on. This will help ensure that your heating system is running properly so that it will be ready for those cold months ahead. In addition, you will:

  • Determine major issues early on – recognize replacement if necessary
  • Be ready for all of those holiday gatherings coming up

To schedule your furnace clean & check, call us at 563-391-1344. Our wonderful technicians will be happy to get you ready for the cold weather!