HVAC FAQs: Autumn Heating Tips

The temperature you set your thermostat to in the fall will depend on whether you are using your heater or your air conditioner. In early autumn, when your system is still set to cool, it is recommended that you keep your temperature set around 74-76°. This will ensure that your home doesn’t get too warm during the day and doesn’t get too cool in the evening or morning when the temperature outside is cooler.

However, if you have switched your system to heat, it is recommended that you set the system to 68°. This means that if the outside temperature drops significantly, your home won’t get too cold, but you also won’t have the heater overheating your home.

Keep reading for three more of our most commonly asked questions about autumn heating & HVAC maintenance.

Many people are unsure how best to heat their homes during transitional seasons like fall. Early in the season, we may still need our air conditioners. However, the temperature is beginning to drop at night, and you may find yourself chilly. When this happens, you may need to turn your heater on to beat the chill. That said, some homes are configured in such a way that turning the heater on, even for a short period, heats the house too much, making it stuffy.

This may result in you needing the air conditioning to counteract the problem. This can lead to a back and forth between heating and cooling. When you’re constantly course-correcting your HVAC system in this way, you end up using excess energy, and you may struggle to get to a stable, comfortable temperature. Therefore, many people try to delay using their heater for as long as possible.

Try these tips if you are trying to reduce the amount you’re running your heater:

• Utilize ceiling fans to push warm air down, especially if you live in a multi-story home
• Open your curtains or blinds to let sunlight in and take advantage of free solar heating
• Make sure your windows and doors are properly sealed so that you don’t suffer from heating loss or have cold drafts
• Utilize small area heaters or heated blankets if you need a small heating boost in one specific area but not the rest of your home
• Use your fireplace if you have one

Many people also find investing in house slippers, housecoats, or light sweaters specifically meant to wear around the house helpful. This allows you to keep your home’s temperature slightly lower or avoid turning on the heater during this transitional season.

Generally speaking, heat pumps are the most efficient heating systems on the market right now. This remains true even in parts of the country that experience snow, ice, and extremely cold temperatures like we do here in Denver. Heat pumps rely on electricity to operate and use less energy than a traditional furnace. They can also reduce your carbon footprint, especially if your home has a solar power system.

If you have reached a point where it is time to replace your heating system, and you want something more efficient than a traditional furnace or boiler, you may want to consider installing a heat pump. These systems are one of the most energy-efficient heating systems available. They are also incredibly environmentally friendly since they don’t burn fuel, making them emissions-free. To learn more about heat pumps and their many benefits, review our blog here.