When to Use a Heater at Home: Top Indications

We all have a different ideal temperature for our home; some like to keep it cool so they can get cozy under the covers, while others like to keep the temperature in their home at a steady 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Regardless of what you prefer, it can be challenging to maintain a comfortable temperature without putting your energy bill through the roof.

While sources like the Department of Energy offer great info on this topic, it can sometimes be hard to understand how to apply it to your own life. This article will give you some things to consider when managing your home’s air conditioning and heating. Follow these tips for deciding when to use a heater at home, and you’ll always be comfortable without putting too much strain on your wallet.

Suppose you’re currently having problems with your heater or air conditioning system in the Chicago area or would like to schedule maintenance. In that case, A Custom Services has heating and cooling experts from Oak Park who are ready to help. A Custom Services takes pride in its years of experience and is always happy to help you enjoy reliably comfortable indoor air temperatures. 

KEEP PEAK TIMES IN MIND

When planning out when to use your heater and air conditioner at home, it’s essential to consider when it’s hottest and coldest outside. In most areas, the hottest time of day is when the sun is highest in the sky—usually around 1 or 2 pm. Plan to have your air conditioner running during this time, and try to use the cooler hours in the morning to minimize usage.

Likewise, it’s crucial to set your heater to turn on during the coldest parts of the night, usually between midnight and dawn. When you’re deciding whether to turn your heater on, remember how uncomfortable it is to wake up to a freezing house, so make sure to set your thermostat before you go to bed.

Planning for these peak temperature times can pay off in the long run. By opening and closing your windows at strategic times and ensuring you turn on your heating and cooling before the temperature in your home gets out of hand, you’ll minimize your energy usage and save money.

ADJUST FOR THE SEASONS

Just as adjusting for specific times of day can improve your energy usage, creating a particular plan for each season can also be effective. Each season brings a different climate, which can vary significantly based on your location.

In the winter, it’s essential to focus on keeping your home warm during the coldest parts of the night, which means shutting the heat off in the morning, especially if you’re gone at work all day. If you have a smart heating system, you can even schedule it to turn on an hour before you get home. During the summer, shutting off your air conditioning just before bed while keeping the windows closed can keep you cool enough to enjoy a comfortable night’s sleep without racking up unnecessary wattage overnight.

MONITOR YOUR HUMIDITY

Humidity has a significant impact on how we perceive temperature. Air that is too dry or humid can make your home’s temperature feel unpleasant even when your temperature is within a comfortable range. 

Humidity can affect more than just your body. For example, high humidity can lead to a buildup of moisture on surfaces in your home, creating a risk of mold. This moisture can also sink into wooden surfaces, leading to warping and rotting. Conversely, air that is too dry can also lead to wear and tear, as surfaces are more likely to crack under dry conditions.

CONSIDER YOUR SYSTEM’S HEALTH

One way to know when not to use your heater at home is when something is wrong with the system. If you or your family are experiencing smells or smoke from the heating unit, it’s best to minimize usage as much as possible.

Making sure you’re careful about when you use the heater at home can be crucial to extending the life of your system and minimizing the money you’ll spend on maintenance over the years. Hiring a reliable heating and air conditioning company like A Custom Services ensures your system lasts as long as possible.

If you’ve tried the previous steps in this article and had limited success, you may have air balancing issues. Air balancing refers to how much of your house is covered by your heating or HVAC unit and how evenly it disperses hot or cold air. Poor air balancing can lead to uncomfortable temperatures even when your HVAC unit runs. If you suspect you may have this issue or want to learn more about HVAC balancing, call A Custom Services at 773-831-4891 to speak to an expert today.

YOUR COMFORT IS ALWAYS OUR PRIORITY

It’s important to remember that your HVAC system is there to make you comfortable, and that should always be your primary concern. While energy usage and wear on your system are essential factors to consider, you and your family shouldn’t suffer for those reasons.

The most important way to know when to use your heater at home is pretty simple: when you’re cold. If you’re uncomfortable in your home or feel that the temperature is threatening your well-being in any way, you should always turn on your heater or HVAC unit.

BE PROACTIVE

By reading this article, you’ve given yourself everything you need to take control of your thermostat settings and start saving money. At A Custom Services, we want to provide you with the confidence to know that your system will be in perfect working condition whenever you want to use your heater at home.

When there’s an issue with your heater or air conditioner, we know you need trustworthy help fast. For quality and reliable heating and cooling services in the Chicago area, call A Custom Services at 773-831-4891 today.