Why is it taking so long for my house to heat up?

Author: Otto Bergnaum  |  Last update: Friday, February 13, 2026

It could be a number of factors causing the issue, which could include faulty insulation, blocked air vents, or a malfunctioning thermostat. It is best to have a heating engineer come to assess the issue in order to determine the cause and the best course of action.

How long should it take for a house to heat up?

On average, once you turn on your furnace, it should take about an hour to increase indoor temperature by 1 degree. Afterwards, it's 45 minutes per degree. And how warm should your house be? During winter, the recommended thermostat reading is around 70 degrees F.

Why is my home taking so long to heat up?

The heating system may take longer to warm up due to issues like clogged air filters, thermostat problems, or inadequate maintenance. These factors can hinder proper airflow and heat distribution in the HVAC system, leading to delays in reaching the desired temperature.

Why is my heating taking ages to heat up?

Yes, it is normal for radiators to take some time to heat up after a period of inactivity, such as the summer season. Air may have entered the system, and it takes time to displace the air and circulate hot water effectively. Bleeding the radiators can help speed up the process.

Why is my house not heating up to temperature?

This problem often points to inadequate circulation of warm air. It could be due to blocked vents, a failing HVAC fan, or issues with the furnace itself. Ensure that furniture or drapes are not blocking your vents. Also, check if your furnace's filter is clean, as a dirty filter can restrict airflow.

Why does it take so long for my radiators to warm up? | Homebuilding

Why is my house so cold even with heating on?

If your furnace is blowing hot but your home is still cold, it may be a problem with your ductwork. You may have leaky or damaged ducts that are letting hot air escape and cold air in. Sometimes a damper in the system can get miss-adjusted or come loose, thereby inadvertently blocking or reducing airflow.

Why is my furnace taking so long to heat up but?

A dirty filter blocks airflow, which can stop your furnace from heating up all the way. Be certain that you are changing your air filter when needed, as well as check that there are no large objects stacked around the furnace that are impeding airflow. Keep clean ducts and a clear path.

Why does my heat take forever to warm up?

#1: Dirty Air Filters Block Proper Airflow

While it's a relatively simple task, it's one many homeowners put-off or simply forget to do. The truth is a dirty air filter is one of the top reasons furnaces don't work their best to warm-up a home quickly.

Why is my thermostat taking so long to heat up?

Some of the most common thermostat issues include:

The thermostat is broken, not properly level, or dusty. The thermostat needs to be recalibrated. There is loose wiring causing a thermostat issue.

Why is my heat delayed?

While moisture and rust are one of the most common causes of delayed ignition in furnaces, dust and lint can also accumulate and cause problems. This can be easily remedied by having your furnace inspected and cleaned by professionals before each heating season.

Why does house take so long to warm up?

Another common issue is that there could be a problem with your boiler's thermostat, or room thermostat. It could be opening or closing too early, and simply not detecting the correct temperature it needs to be. You could also have a faulty pump or motorised valve, which is only opening partially.

How long does it take for a thermostat to change temperature?

The ideal system would not take much less than 10 minutes to do that so it could keep the humidity in check. So, when it needs to lower the temp by significantly more, it will take much longer.

Why isn't my house warming up?

If your home isn't warming up as expected, a dirty air filter, blocked vents, or thermostat issues might be to blame. Check and address these issues before considering professional assistance.

How long should it take to cool a house from 90 to 72?

Cooling a house from 90 degrees to 72 degrees typically takes about 2 to 4 hours, depending on various factors.

How long can a house go without heat?

Generally, a house will stay warm for 8–12 hours after losing heat. However, without intervention, it will eventually reach outdoor temperatures. If temperatures are frigid outside, maximize the warmth by gathering the family in a small room, wearing many thin layers, and placing towels around windows and doors.

Why is the heater blowing cold air?

The heater might blow cold air rather than warm if the gas line supply has been turned off. This usually happens when something goes wrong with the heater, and it breaks. For example, maybe there was a problem with a gas valve, the gas supply pipe, or something else in your furnace broke down.

How long should a house take to heat up?

Generally, the average house will take about 30 minutes to heat up or cool down, but every home is different. To find out your home's 'warm-up' and 'cool-down' times, you could choose a cold evening and time how long it takes for your house to warm up to a comfortable temperature – this is the warm-up time.

How do I know if my heating thermostat is bad?

7 Ways to Tell Your Thermostat Is Broken
  1. The Thermostat Has No Power. ...
  2. The AC or Furnace Won't Turn On. ...
  3. The Heater or AC Won't Turn Off. ...
  4. The Thermostat Reading Doesn't Match the Room Temperature. ...
  5. The Thermostat Doesn't Respond. ...
  6. The HVAC System Is Short Cycling. ...
  7. The Thermostat Forgets Programmed Settings.

Why is my heating taking so long to warm up?

It could be a number of factors causing the issue, which could include faulty insulation, blocked air vents, or a malfunctioning thermostat. It is best to have a heating engineer come to assess the issue in order to determine the cause and the best course of action.

What are the symptoms of a clogged heater core?

Signs Your Heater Core is Not Working
  • The Heater Just Plain Doesn't Work.
  • The Windshield Won't Defrost.
  • Is That Antifreeze I Smell?
  • Coolant Leaking into the Cabin.
  • The Engine is Running Hot.

Why is my heat not getting up to temperature?

One of the most common issues with a heating system not functioning is dirty air filters. If your air filters are extremely dirty, then the airflow can be blocked. Check for clean air filters, vents, and registers. Make sure there are no rugs or furniture blocking vents or registers as well.

Why is my heat running so long?

A clogged filter will result in very little cold air being drawn into the furnace and much less hot air blowing out of your vents. This will cause your unit to run for much longer since it isn't producing nearly as much heat.

How long should it take for my heat to kick on?

Warm air will then start flowing into the rooms until it gets to the desired temperature. That whole sequence of events that happens takes about 1 minute from the time thermostat tells the furnace to start, to the time the blower turns on and gives you heat through your registers.

Why is my heating not reaching temperature?

Radiators might not be getting hot due to trapped air requiring bleeding, a malfunctioning boiler or central heating pump, thermostatic radiator valves that might be stuck or set too low, or the central heating system having sludge or rust which causes blockages.

How much is a new furnace?

Ask twenty professional HVAC contractors the question, “How Much Does A New Furnace Cost?” and you'll probably get the same answer... “It depends.” On average, the cost of a new furnace can range from $2,000 - $14,2001. However, factors like furnace efficiency, type, size, and much more can impact this range.

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