HVAC maintenance companies explain that a furnace will normally perform an average of two to three cycles in an hour, with each cycle lasting 10 to 15 minutes. But to keep temperatures at a comfortable level during cold weather, a furnace might need to increase this range to three to 10 cycles.
The 24/7 heating myth debunked
The most economical way to manage your central heating is to turn it on for 8 to 10 hours per day. Program thermostatic radiator valves to come on about half an hour before you wake up and switch off a half hour after you go to bed.
Each furnace's “normal” heating cycle run time differs based on the size and type of furnace, your home's square footage, and the desired indoor temperature. Furnaces typically run for about 10 to 15 minutes in moderate weather.
It's actually better for your furnace to run longer than start and stop a bunch of times. It's more efficient and it's better for the heat exchanger. With that being said, while it's cold outside, it's not super cold where I would expect it to run continuously.
A system that has been dormant for months suddenly finds itself working overtime. It should cycle throughout the day. An average furnace should turn on and off three to eight times per hour. If your furnace is turning on and off more frequently, don't assume it is short cycling.
This is commonly caused by a dirty air filter. Once high temperatures are reached within the equipment, the limit switch shuts down the heating cycle for safety reasons. Then the furnace must cool down before another cycle starts – but the issue just happens again.
While some people may prefer the first strategy, the second way is likely to be cheaper. If people are at home all day, or coming in and out pretty constantly, it might make more sense to leave the heat on instead of flipping it on and off repeatedly.
Now, HVAC experts have revealed the timing secret to staying warm without sky-high bills is setting a consistent schedule to keep your home around a comfortable 68 degrees for around 8-10 hours a day.
You can easily save energy in the winter by setting the thermostat to around 68°F to 70°F while you're awake and setting it lower while you're asleep or away from home.
With an effective air delivery system and a well-insulated home, this should be long enough to establish your preferred temperature throughout the building. After resting for approximately five to 10 minutes, your furnace will likely cycle on again.
If you have an electric heater or an old, non-condensing boiler, we recommend not leaving them on forever. That's because electricity heaters can be expensive to run, so turning them on and off will help.
When a furnace runs constantly, it probably means that something is dirty or clogged.
Overusing the heater or using an oversized heater can result in elevated levels of carbon monoxide or nitrogen dioxide fumes in the air. These fumes can cause cold or flu-like symptoms, headaches, and eye, nose and throat irritation.
Generally, it's useful to have your heating come on around half an hour before you get up in the morning. Then, have turn it off again around half an hour before you go to bed. If you're planning on being out of the house, you can turn the heating off while nobody's in.
Keeping your heating at a low temperature all day long is an oft-cited approach, but unless your house is very well insulated or particularly prone to condensation, it's not a method we recommend.
On average, furnaces should kick on and turn off anywhere from three to eight times per hour.
A high-efficiency furnace should be running at least 80% of the day if not longer.
If your existing furnace was purchased any time within the last 15 years, it should have a yellow label attached that will reveal its AFUE rating plus specific data about how much energy it might be saving you in comparison to less efficient models.
Optimizing Thermostat Settings
The DOE recommends a temperature range from 68 degrees up to 72 degrees. If elderly persons are residing in the house, many sources recommend higher temperatures — up to 78 degrees.
HVAC maintenance companies explain that a furnace will normally perform an average of two to three cycles in an hour, with each cycle lasting 10 to 15 minutes. But to keep temperatures at a comfortable level during cold weather, a furnace might need to increase this range to three to 10 cycles.
Running in 90-degree weather is a tough challenge, but with the right strategies, you can keep up with your routine safely. Remember to hydrate with electrolyte tabs, wear suitable clothing, adjust your running schedule, and listen to your body to prevent heat-related health issues.
It isn't bad to run your heating system on a 24/7 basis if outdoor weather conditions demand indoor warmth. For many households, maintaining a constant indoor temperature is the only way to survive the winter. Just be aware that this is likely to cause additional wear and tear on your heating system.
To save money, aim to have your temperature set around 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit when you're at home and awake. This is a comfortable temperature for most with the help of a light sweater. Overnight and when you're out, around 64 degrees Fahrenheit will keep your home at a good temperature.
The answer to this may depend on how well insulated your home is. If your home is very well insulated, you may be better off leaving the heating on at a set temperature, where the thermostat will work with the boiler to maintain a temperature relatively easily as there is little heat loss occurring.
But as it turns out, the only real pro to keeping your thermostat one temperature is convenience. Sure, when you're away on vacation or gone for the weekend, the consistent temperature is efficient, but when you're at home, there are really no additional benefits.