Most homeowners know they can cut down on costs by conserving energy. When the weather shifts and it starts to warm up, you think about saving energy by turning off your heating system. By allowing your heater to run continuously, even when the temperature rises, you are unnecessarily wasting energy and spending money unnecessarily on energy bills.

As spring approaches, however, and the days get warmer, it’s time to consider switching your heating system off. But how do you know exactly when to turn off the heat in spring? Temperature varies from state to state, so this will depend on where you live. Rather than pinpointing the exact month, it’s best to focus on your region’s forecasted temperature. Read below to learn when to turn off your heat and how to save money by conserving energy year-round.

Check Local Weather Forecasts

Since climates vary, there’s no standard month delineating when to turn off your heat in spring. Instead, you can rely on weather forecasts. A good measure is to stop using heat when the temperature consistently remains above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Look two weeks ahead at the predicted highs and lows. If it looks like the temperature is holding above 60 degrees, it’s time to turn off your heat.

Of course, the exact temperature depends on your personal preference. If you like it a little cooler, you can turn the heat off sooner. If you chill easily, you may need to turn the heater back on to knock off the chill and shut it off when it’s comfortable again.

By opening windows and curtains, you can take advantage of the warmer days by letting the outdoor air and sun heat your house. When the temperature begins to drop in the evenings, just close the windows and curtains to retain heat. Remember, if the temperature gets too uncomfortable in your home, you can always readjust and temporarily turn the heat back on.

Benefits of Turning Off Your Heating System

Any time you power down, you conserve energy and save money. Turning off your heating system completely, rather than adjusting the temperature, prevents it from automatically turning on when you are not home or when temperatures naturally dip a little at night. This will reduce energy waste and lower your monthly bill.

Powering down completely also reduces your environmental impact. One of the leading causes of global warming is the release of greenhouse gasses through burning fossil fuels such as those typically used to heat your home. But you can reduce your carbon footprint by raising your thermostat as spring approaches and then turning it off completely once it’s spring. This way, you can reduce greenhouse emissions without compromising the comfort of your home.

Additional Ways to Conserve Energy and Cut Costs

In addition to turning off your heating system in the spring, you can also conserve energy through regular repair and maintenance of your HVAC system. This can maximize your furnace’s efficiency and reduce the risk of emergency repairs. Also remember to regularly check your air filters, replacing them every 90 days or sooner if needed.

Perhaps the best way to save money is by switching to a more energy-efficient HVAC system. One of the most efficient ways to heat and cool your home year-round is with a heat pump.

Saving Year-Round With a Heat Pump

A heat pump is an energy-efficient alternative to furnaces and air conditioners. A heat pump differs from traditional furnaces because, using electricity, it moves rather than generates heat, redistributing it from the air or ground. Essentially, it moves heat from one space to another.

Heat pumps not only heat your home, but they can also cool your home in the warm summer months. In winter, a heat pump extracts heat from outside and redistributes it into your home, warming up your living space. In the summer, it operates in reverse, pulling warm air from your home and pumping it outdoors.

Installing a heat pump can maximize efficiency, comfort, and savings. Transferring heat rather than creating it is significantly more efficient, saving you up to 40 percent on utility bills. If you are trying to cut down your energy bill and use your heater less in the spring and summer, a heat pump will offer you efficiency and savings no matter the season.

Aside from their efficiency, heat pumps also act as dehumidifiers. This feature allows your heat pump to cool your home better than a traditional air conditioner at a fraction of the cost.

Versatility of a Heat Pump

An added benefit of installing a heat pump is the versatility it offers. The technology continuously improves, making more options available for your unique needs. These innovations include high-performance options such as:

• Two-speed compressors that allow you to adjust the unit so it operates closer to its heating and cooling capacity, saving large amounts of energy
• Geothermal heat pumps that transfer heat from the ground and therefore have low operating costs
• Reverse cycle chiller feature that uses hot and cold water rather than air, allowing it to be used with a radiant floor heating system

Above all, you don’t have to sacrifice your comfort to conserve energy and save money. These highly efficient systems allow for maximum comfort control. If you live in a colder climate, you can opt for a hybrid HVAC system that pairs a furnace for extreme weather with a heat pump for milder weather.

There are a number of ways you can improve the energy efficiency of your home heating, from turning off your heat in the spring when the temperatures start to rise to upgrading your HVAC system to a more energy-efficient unit, such as a heat pump. Contact an HVAC professional such as Entek to discuss your heating and cooling needs. You’ll be maximizing your home’s efficiency and comfort in no time.