As the weather starts to cool down, you may be tempted to simply turn off your furnace to save on energy costs. However, completely shutting down your furnace can cause a number of problems. In this article, we’ll discuss when it’s okay to turn your furnace off, considerations around doing so, and alternative ways to reduce your energy usage and costs without compromising comfort or safety.
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When Is It Okay to Turn the Furnace Off?
In most cases, it’s not recommended to fully shut down your furnace during the cold weather months. Your furnace is designed to maintain a consistent, livable temperature in your home. Turning it off entirely means leaving your home susceptible to freezing temperatures, mold and mildew growth, and high levels of humidity. Your pipes could freeze and burst, which causes immense water damage. The fluctuating temperatures could also warp floors or cause wood furnishing to crack.
However, there are a few scenarios when it may be appropriate to turn the furnace off:
- You’ll be away from home for an extended time. If you plan to be away for several weeks or months during the colder months, it may make sense to turn the furnace off until you return. Be sure to fully winterize your home first by insulating pipes, draining systems, etc.
- You need to service or repair your furnace. Your furnace will need to be switched off to safely perform maintenance, repairs, or replacements.
- There is an emergency such as a gas leak or flood. In dangerous situations like these, you’ll need to shut off the furnace at the breaker.
- The outdoor temperature is mild and heating isn’t needed. During the shoulder seasons of spring and fall when temperatures are consistently moderate, you may be able to go a few days without relying on your furnace.
Aside from those specific situations, running your furnace regularly is crucial during the cold weather months. Work with a professional to determine the appropriate temperature settings and run times for your climate.
Considerations Around Turning Off the Furnace
If you do plan to turn your furnace off for an extended period, keep these considerations in mind:
- Home insulation. A well-insulated home will stay warmer longer compared to a drafty, uninsulated home. Look for air leaks around doors and windows and ensure your attic and walls have adequate insulation before shutting down your furnace.
- Outdoor temperatures. Outdoor temperatures make a big difference in how quickly a home loses heat. Turning your furnace off when it’s 30°F out will have less impact than doing so when it’s 0°F. Check the weather forecast before shutting down your unit.
- Length of time. The longer you keep your furnace off, the higher the risk of damage from freezing, mold, or humidity. Try to limit shutdowns to less than a week when outdoor temps are below freezing.
- Plants and pets. If you have indoor plants or pets, make arrangements for them before turning your furnace completely off. Most plants and pets cannot tolerate extremely cold indoor temperatures.
- Water and fireplace usage. Refrain from using large amounts of water or running your fireplace when your furnace is shut down. This introduces moisture into your home which can cause problems.
- Rare antique furnishings. Some types of rare, antique wooden furnishings may be damaged by fluctuations in temperature and humidity. Keep that in mind before shutting down your furnace if you own pieces like these.
Consider all these factors before making the decision to turn your furnace off for an extended time. A few days when outdoor temperatures are moderate will likely be fine. But longer than that, and you risk expensive problems.
Alternatives to Turning the Furnace Off
If you’re looking to cut costs and energy usage during the winter, there are several effective alternatives to completely shutting down your furnace:
- Lower the temperature. Turning your thermostat down just a few degrees can make a noticeable impact on your energy bills. Lower it to around 60-65°F when away or sleeping.
- Use a programmable thermostat. With this type of thermostat, you can set customized temperatures for different times of day. Lower temps when you’re away or asleep, then increase them when you need more warmth.
- Seal air leaks. Prevent drafts by sealing leaks around windows, doors, pipes, vents, and any gaps or cracks. This improves your home’s insulation.
- Upgrade your insulation. Invest in additional insulation in your attic, walls, crawl spaces, and basement to hold in warmth and improve efficiency.
- Have your HVAC professionally maintained. Schedule annual tune-ups and cleanings to keep your furnace running optimally.
- Upgrade to a newer model. While costlier upfront, a new ENERGY STAR® certified furnace will provide major efficiency improvements.
- Use a humidifier. Running a humidifier combats the dry air caused by heating systems and prevents issues like static electricity, cracked skin, and damage to wood furnishings.
- Take advantage of smart features. Smart and programmable thermostats, vent dampers, and zone controls optimize heating and cut energy waste.
Depending on your goals, a combination of these tactics will allow you to reduce your costs and energy usage significantly. And you won’t have to worry about the risks and headaches of completely shutting down your furnace.
Furnace Operation Costs
To understand how much it costs to operate your furnace and why reducing usage saves money, it helps to look at the key factors:
- Unit size: Larger furnaces require more energy to heat your home.
- Unit age: Older, less efficient models use more energy than newer ones.
- Fuel type: Electric furnaces are typically more expensive to run than gas furnaces.
- Climate and weather: Colder climates require more heating.
- Home insulation: A poorly insulated home needs more heat to maintain temperature.
- Thermostat setting: The higher the temperature, the more energy used.
Here is an example breakdown of approximate furnace operation costs for a 2,000 square foot, moderately insulated home in Chicago during a typical winter month:
| Furnace Type | Average Monthly Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Older, mid-size gas furnace | $125 |
| Newer, mid-size gas furnace | $100 |
| Mid-size electric furnace | $150 |
Based on this breakdown, you can see how factors like unit age and type impact monthly heating bills during cold weather. Upgrading to a newer, high-efficiency model or properly maintaining your existing unit pays dividends when it comes to reducing furnace operation costs.
Tips to Reduce Furnace Operation Costs
Here are some helpful tips to minimize your furnace operation expenses:
- Have your furnace professionally serviced each year to improve performance and efficiency.
- Check your air filters monthly and change them as needed to improve airflow.
- Set your thermostat to 68°F or lower during the daytime when home.
- Lower your thermostat to 60-65°F when sleeping or away from home.
- Consider investing in a smart or programmable thermostat to better control temperatures.
- Seal any air leaks around doors, windows, pipes and vents.
- Ensure adequate insulation in attics, basements, walls, and crawl spaces.
- Take advantage of rebates and incentives for ENERGY STAR® appliances and insulation.
- If your furnace is old, replace it with an ENERGY STAR® rated model.
Being thoughtful about how you operate your furnace and improving your home’s efficiency pays dividends when it comes to reducing those pesky winter heating bills.
Conclusion
Turning your furnace completely off for an extended period usually causes more harm than good. But you can still reduce your furnace operation costs with the right approach. Focus on proper maintenance, strategic thermostat adjustments, sealing air leaks, adding insulation, and exploring rebates or upgrades if applicable. With these tips, you can decrease your energy usage while still comfortably – and safely – heating your home all winter long.