We regularly switch between our air conditioners and our heating systems at home, but sometimes, it can be hard to know exactly when to rest one and turn on the other. When the temperature starts to drop, the debate on whether or not it is cold enough to turn on the heat begins.

You might know how to test your thermostat, how to check if your supply vents are functioning, and even how to change the furnace filter, but just when do you make the switch from air conditioning to heating?

Before You Turn on the Heat

Here are a few things to keep in mind before using the heating system:

Dry air is bad for you

When winter comes, the cold air from outside is heated, making it significantly decrease in humidity. When this humidity drops, the dry air that is left behind can be harmful both to your home and to your health. Apart from being uncomfortable for you to breath, this air can crack your walls and your floors.

Electronics can be damaged due to the static shock that is caused by this heated air. Even at normal temperatures, breathing in air that is devoid of any moisture can make you feel cold, and as a result, you will end up overheating your home.

Apart from increasing your utility bills, you will also be at risk of catching the flu. Before turning on the heating system, therefore, beware of dry air and learn how to minimize it in your home.

Inspect your HVAC unit

Have a professional take a look at your system and figure out if it is functioning properly. If you need to replace anything in the unit, the do so before turning on the heat.

Switching from Cooling to Heating

Summer heat can be persistent, but when fall is around the corner, you should start preparing your HVAC unit for the functions of winter. The process is not as simple as turning the AC off; it takes much more than that. Your home and your HVAC unit should both be eased into the transition.

No exact temperature can determine when you should make the switch from cooling to heating. Even when it cold outside, your home can still be a little warm, and as long as you can keep this warmth going on, then you can keep your heating system off for a little while longer.

You should never, however, sacrifice your comfort and health for the sake of maintaining your HVAC, so as soon as the cold gets in the house and you have to wear your sweater, then you should consider turning on the heat.

Test the System Before you need to use it

When you smell the first hits of autumn, then it is time to test your HVAC heating system. Turn on the heat for an hour or two, just to make sure that when you need to use it, you won’t have any problems turning on the system.

Turn off the system at night

At the start of fall, when the cold has not set in yet, the nights are usually cooler. Before you need to turn on the heat, take advantage of this and enjoy the natural cool air every night. Leave a fan running to circulate the cool air and save on your utility bills.

Give the System Time

Don’t turn on the heat and then drastically crank it up to the highest number. Make the transition as smooth as possible, only increasing the heat in intervals until you are comfortable and warm. If you live in an area where the temperate range varies frequently a programmable thermostat will allow you to plan and maintain a comfortable temperature in your home. You can simply program the comfortable temperature range in your home, and let the thermostat due the work for you.